I strongly oppose Ontario…

I strongly oppose Ontario Bill 212 (Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024) for several key reasons. The bill's proposal to remove bike lanes as a means of reducing traffic congestion is fundamentally flawed and unsupported by a large history of strong evidence. Rather than alleviating gridlock, this approach could worsen the situation, compromising public safety and undermining efforts toward sustainable urban development.

Toronto’s experience with similar measures demonstrates why this approach is likely to fail. In 2011, the city removed bike lanes from Jarvis Street in an effort to improve traffic flow. However, data showed that the removal actually resulted in longer travel times and slower traffic. This serves as a clear example that removing bike lanes does not reduce congestion but can instead worsen traffic conditions and encourage more car dependency, further straining road infrastructure. Also, adding in more car lanes also worsens traffic. This is a known fact.

Eliminating bike lanes poses significant risks to cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Studies have shown that the absence of dedicated bike lanes leads to higher rates of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. These preventable incidents place additional burdens on healthcare systems, emergency services, and legal resources—costs ultimately borne by taxpayers. Maintaining and expanding bike lanes is not only a matter of safety but also a cost-effective strategy for reducing long-term public health expenditures.

Effective urban planning must prioritize sustainable, multimodal transportation options that reduce car dependency. Bill 212 undermines this goal by cutting back on infrastructure for walking, cycling, and public transit. As cities worldwide invest in green policies and expand bike lanes, Ontario risks falling behind in fostering an environmentally responsible and accessible urban environment. A shift toward more sustainable transportation is essential for creating livable cities for all residents.

Rather than dismantling vital infrastructure, the province should focus on investments that provide lasting benefits for all Ontarians. Allocating resources toward healthcare, education, and public transit improvements would not only address the root causes of congestion but also enhance the quality of life for residents. These forward-thinking investments would do far more to ease traffic and improve public well-being than a temporary fix that caters primarily to suburban drivers. Bike ridership is “low” because half of the bike lanes aren’t connected or finished in Toronto. If you build better infrastructure, more people will use it, and they take up way less space than cars. We should be thinking of people first not cars first.

Bill 212 represents a setback for Ontario’s urban development and its future sustainability. Truly effective urban planning prioritizes safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. By preserving and expanding bike lanes, the government can promote a safer, more accessible transportation system that supports all modes of travel and contributes to a cleaner, greener environment. Ontario needs policies that foster a resilient, inclusive future for all its residents, not one that favors short-term, car-centric solutions.