I am writing to oppose the…

I am writing to oppose the proposed Bill 212. I find it embarrassing that the Ontario government is proposing such outdated, backward legislation when other governments (municipal, provincial, state, and national) around the world are aiming to reduce vehicular traffic in cities and their carbon footprint. Bicycles and bike lanes do not create traffic congestion and gridlock, cars do.

To create healthy, sustainable, livable cities, we need to look beyond cars. The Ontario government needs to recognize all modes of transportation: walking, biking, public transit, as well as vehicles. If the Ontario government really wants to "reduce gridlock to save you time," they should invest in public transit and complete the public transit projects that they are already committed to.

Bicycle use is increasing and municipal roads need to adapt to meet this change and to encourage more active transit. In Canada, cities like Montreal and Edmonton have led the way by creating kilometers of dedicated bike lanes. Bike lanes keep everyone on the road safer: drivers and cyclists know where they should be on the road, accidents are greatly reduced, and traffic flow is maintained. This bill with its proposal to remove bike lanes so that cars can get where they need to go faster is ludicrous. How can Toronto call itself a "world city" when such backward legislation is being considered?

The bill also overreaches its responsibility. Municipalities should have the autonomy to find the most viable solutions for transit on their roads.