As a concerned Torontonian…

As a concerned Torontonian and a cyclist who also owns a car, I am writing to state my vehement opposition to the Ontario government’s attack on bike lanes, which appears to be motivated only by spite, as it is completely unsupported by actual evidence and ignores data-supported advice from planning experts, environmental advocates, and cycling advocacy groups alike. Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 will in fact worsen gridlock, make our streets more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians and more stressful for drivers, and will harm the environment. According to the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), in their Statement on Bike Lanes from a Planning Perspective: “As registered professional planners, OPPI members work to support a variety of mobility options in planning communities. Bike lanes provide people with options, improve public health and safety, support economic activity, foster social interaction and community connectivity, improve air quality and mitigate climate change impacts. The proposed legislative changes will not reduce congestion, will increase risk to public safety, and move away from evidence-based practices. It is also counter to the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement, which includes several policies that support the use of bike lanes.” Abundant research shows that expanding bike lanes and investing in sustainable infrastructure including a robust public transit system is a far more effective—and equitable—solution to reduce gridlock, improve public health, and cut emissions. I do not want my tax dollars to be spent on the needless, petty destruction of bike lanes that already exist, and I do not support legislation that will make it more difficult for municipalities to add new bike lanes in the future.