Critique of Ontario…

Critique of Ontario Government's Proposed Legislation on Bike Lane Removal

I am strongly opposed to Ontario Bill 212. The Ontario government’s proposal to remove sections of the Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue bike lanes in Toronto, along with the broader framework to potentially dismantle more existing bike lanes across the province, raises several critical concerns. There are proven benefits of bike lanes in reducing congestion, improving environmental sustainability, and fostering economic growth. Removing existing bike lanes would not only undermine these advantages, but it would also represent a waste of taxpayer money and jeopardize public safety.

1. Bike Lanes Reduce Congestion

Bike lanes play a critical role in alleviating urban congestion, which is a persistent problem in cities like Toronto. Car-centric transportation systems encourage more cars on the road, leading to bottlenecks, longer commutes, and air pollution. By offering people a viable alternative to driving—namely, cycling—bike lanes can encourage more people to leave their cars at home. This shift not only alleviates congestion but also improves the overall flow of traffic.

When more people cycle, the number of cars on the road decreases, which reduces traffic jams, lowers the demand for parking spaces, and makes travel more efficient for everyone. The addition of bike lanes is an essential tool for creating a balanced transportation ecosystem where different modes of transport can coexist and contribute to smoother, less stressful urban mobility. Removing bike lanes would only encourage more car use, exacerbating congestion and decreasing overall mobility efficiency for all road users, whether they are in cars, buses, or on foot.

Additionally, the removal of bike lanes would only result in cyclists taking up entire vehicle lanes rather than their designated bike lanes, which will only serve to create more frustration for drivers, danger to cyclists, and even more slow downs if accidents between motorists and cyclists were to occur.

2. Environmental and Health Benefits

Bike lanes also contribute significantly to the city's environmental sustainability goals. Cycling is a zero-emission mode of transportation that helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, both of which are major contributors to climate change and poor air quality. Ontario, like many regions, is aiming to reduce its carbon footprint, and supporting cycling infrastructure is a cost-effective way to meet these environmental targets.

Additionally, the promotion of cycling over driving offers substantial health benefits. Increased bike use leads to higher levels of physical activity, which can improve public health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs related to sedentary lifestyles, heart disease, and obesity. In this context, removing bike lanes undermines efforts to create healthier, more livable urban environments, where cycling is a key component of a sustainable transportation system.

3. Cost-Effectiveness and Wasted Taxpayer Money

The removal of already existing bike lanes represents a significant waste of taxpayer money. Bike lanes are not built overnight; they require careful planning, public consultation, design, and construction, all of which incur costs. Once bike lanes are in place, their infrastructure, such as bike racks, lane markings, and safety features, represent a long-term investment. To undo this work by removing bike lanes and converting them back to car lanes would be an inefficient use of public funds—taxpayer money that could be better spent on expanding and improving bike infrastructure, public transit, or other city services that enhance mobility for all residents.

Furthermore, the proposed review process introduces a layer of bureaucracy that will require additional resources for evaluation and decision-making. The funds spent on this review could be far better used in advancing the goals of sustainable transportation, such as improving safety measures for cyclists, extending bike lane networks, or developing public transit systems that complement cycling as part of an integrated urban mobility plan. Ultimately, removing bike lanes is a shortsighted decision that negates previous investments and wastes money that could be directed toward building a more efficient and equitable transportation system.

4. Bike Lanes Support Small Businesses

An often-overlooked benefit of bike lanes is their positive impact on small businesses. Studies have shown that areas with bike lanes tend to experience more foot traffic and higher levels of consumer spending. When people cycle to shop, eat, or visit local businesses, they tend to spend more time in those areas, stopping at multiple locations along the way. This contrasts with car traffic, where drivers are more likely to pass by businesses without stopping, particularly in busy areas where parking is scarce.

In fact, studies in cities like New York and Portland have demonstrated that the installation of bike lanes can lead to increased retail sales, particularly for local businesses that rely on walk-in customers. Cyclists are more likely to stop and shop in neighborhoods with bike infrastructure, which is good for the local economy. By removing bike lanes, the government risks undermining the vitality of these neighborhoods, potentially harming small businesses that benefit from the increased activity that bike lanes encourage.

Conclusion

The Ontario government’s proposal to remove existing bike lanes is a regressive step that overlooks the numerous benefits of cycling infrastructure. Bike lanes reduce congestion, enhance public safety, improve environmental sustainability, support small businesses, and contribute to public health. Furthermore, the removal of already-established bike lanes is a poor use of taxpayer money that undermines previous investments in urban mobility. Rather than dismantling these valuable assets, the province should focus on expanding and improving bike infrastructure to create safer, healthier, and more efficient transportation systems that benefit all residents.

Bike lanes are not just for cyclists—they are a critical part of building vibrant, sustainable cities for everyone. Other cities around the world like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and New York have demonstrated that people will choose to cycle IF there is a robust and safe network of bike lanes, and as a result have enjoyed the benefits of reduced traffic congestion, cleaner air, and healthier populations. Ontario should look to these success stories and expand, rather than remove, bike infrastructure to ensure that its cities are prepared for future challenges.