I am writing to request the…

I am writing to request the reconsideration of Bill 212. My concerns relate to the provincial oversight and restrictions on the installation of cycling infrastructure (i.e., bike lanes). There are five areas of benefit that bike lanes provide: (1) improved safety for all road users (including decreased dooring collisions, sideswipe, and rear end collisions) , (2) increased economic outcomes for local businesses and governments , (3) reduced greenhouse gas emissions , (4) decreased access gap for equity-seeking populations , and (5) improved physical and mental health. I will now focus on the health, equity, and safety implications of providing protected bike lanes.
First, physical activity is a key factor in reducing numerous chronic health conditions and improving individuals’ mental wellbeing. , Physical activity, such as through active transportation – walking, cycling, or other active modes of travel – is an effective way to meet the 24-hour movement guidelines that show increases to health, well-being, and fitness. Specifically, bike lanes can increase the total distance traveled by cyclists and the overall ridership of residents. By replacing some car trips with cycling, research indicates that people can gain an additional nine life-years. Moreover, by not incorporating physical activity into Canadians’ lifestyles, the healthcare system is estimated to spend $6.8 billion per year due to the impact physical inactivity has on chronic diseases.7
Second, prioritizing private vehicle use disproportionately impacts equity-deserving populations such as racialized persons, people living on low incomes, persons with disabilities, women, and Indigenous peoples. For example, lower income neighbourhoods have historically been poorly designed with increased safety and health risks. However, when active transportation is included into the neighbourhood design (i.e., sidewalks, bike lanes, public transit, roadways) social and health inequities are reduced.6 Given transportation options, individuals can select the affordable and safe travel mode to participate in the workforce, access grocery stores, recreational facilities, and healthcare services. This research is not unique as researchers and governments globally have identified that high-quality multi-modal infrastructure increases the use of active transportation, and its’ associated social and health benefits. , , , Additionally, when individuals have affordable transportation options, they have more money to spend on necessities such as food and rent, or extras such as goods from local business.7
Third, safety of all roadway users increases with the installation of bike lanes. As outlined by the Canadian Paediatric Society , cycling infrastructure that is well-connected (‘cycle tracks’) has a halo effect where collisions involving motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists decreased in a 500m surrounding area. Additionally, protected bike lanes are the safest option for all roadway users compared to painted lines, protected right of ways, and elevated lanes.
High-quality active transportation infrastructure leads to more people walking and cycling. Active travel has many proven physical and mental health benefits and impacts chronic disease prevalence. These investments need to be distributed equitably so that every community member can enjoy the benefits of active transportation.