Bill 212 is deeply flawed,…

Bill 212 is deeply flawed, and I urge the Ontario government to withdraw it.

Bike lanes in Toronto have been installed with extensive community consultation by a democratically elected city government. Removing bike lanes makes a mockery of local government; it will have no significant impact on traffic congestion; it will endanger the lives of citizens who cycle; it will discourage bicycle use and further contribute to congestion, with negative impacts on health, the environment, and mobility; it will decrease transit equity, as cycling is one of the most affordable means of transit; and it will cost taxpayers a fortune, all for little gain and much to lose.

Specifically, the environment benefits when car use is discouraged and cycling is encouraged. Removing bike lanes is a giant step backwards and a hostile act towards our environment, when we should be thinking long-term and leaving a healthy planet for our children and their children.

Thank you for considering my views.