1. Undermines Local Decision…

1. Undermines Local Decision-Making
Municipal governments are best positioned to understand the needs of their communities. Removing decision-making power from local authorities undermines the democratic process and the ability of municipalities to tailor infrastructure to local priorities, such as promoting sustainable transportation and improving road safety.
2. Harms Environmental Goals
Encouraging cycling is a proven strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Removing bike lanes discourages cycling, pushing more people into cars and increasing vehicle emissions. This conflicts with the government's broader environmental commitments and Canada’s national climate targets.
3. Increases Traffic Congestion
Contrary to the stated goal of reducing congestion, removing bike lanes often leads to more cars on the road. Bike lanes provide a viable alternative to motor vehicles, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Their removal will shift some cyclists back into cars, exacerbating congestion rather than alleviating it.
4. Negative Public Health Impacts
Cycling lanes encourage active transportation, promoting physical activity and improving public health outcomes. Eliminating these lanes reduces opportunities for safe cycling, potentially leading to increased healthcare costs and lower quality of life.
5. Financial and Practical Inefficiency
The removal of existing bike lanes, especially well-utilized ones like those on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue, represents a waste of public resources. The costs associated with dismantling these lanes, redesigning streets, and reintroducing car traffic far outweigh any marginal benefits.
6. Detrimental to Road Safety
Dedicated bike lanes reduce conflicts between cyclists and motor vehicles, enhancing safety for all road users. Removing these lanes increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, particularly in high-traffic urban environments.
7. Contradicts Broader Transportation Trends
Cities worldwide are expanding cycling infrastructure to address urban mobility challenges, reduce emissions, and enhance livability. This proposal risks positioning Ontario as regressive in transportation planning, making the province less attractive for investment and tourism.
8. Inadequate Stakeholder Engagement
While the proposal mentions consulting "targeted stakeholders," the broad impacts of removing bike lanes require comprehensive public engagement. Affected communities, including cyclists, pedestrians, businesses, and environmental organizations, must have a say in such significant decisions.
Recommendations
Instead of dismantling cycling infrastructure, the Ontario government should:

Focus on integrating cycling and driving to create a multimodal transportation system.
Expand public transit options and incentivize sustainable transport.
Collaborate with municipalities to optimize bike lane placement and design, ensuring they meet local and regional needs.