As a concerned resident of…

As a concerned resident of Ontario, I'm deeply troubled by the proposed Bill 212, especially its implications for bike lanes in our cities. I've been cycling to work for years, and the recent improvements in bike infrastructure have made my commute safer and more enjoyable. Now, it feels like we're taking a giant step backward.

I can't help but feel frustrated by the government's shortsightedness. They claim this bill will reduce gridlock, but that's just not how it works. Removing bike lanes doesn't magically make traffic disappear - it just pushes more people into cars, creating even more congestion.

What really gets me is the cost. We're talking about spending at least $48 million to remove bike lanes in Toronto alone. That's our tax money being wasted on destroying infrastructure we just built! As a taxpayer, this feels like a slap in the face. We could be using that money to improve public transit or fix potholes, but instead, we're ripping up perfectly good bike lanes.

The safety aspect is what worries me most. I've had too many close calls on roads without proper bike infrastructure. The protected lanes on Bloor Street and Yonge Street have been a game-changer for me and many other cyclists. Removing them puts our lives at risk. It's not just about convenience; it's about our right to safe mobility in our own city.

I'm also concerned about the precedent this sets. The province overreaching into municipal affairs like this is troubling. Our city councils and planners understand local needs best. They should be the ones making these decisions, not politicians at Queen's Park who might not even cycle or live in the affected areas.

The environmental impact can't be ignored either. At a time when we should be encouraging sustainable transportation, this bill does the opposite. It's like we're moving backwards on climate action, which feels incredibly irresponsible.

I've been talking to my neighbors, cyclists and non-cyclists alike, and we're all planning to voice our opposition during the public comment period. It feels like an uphill battle, but we can't stay silent on this. Our streets, our safety, and our city's future are at stake.

This bill isn't just about bike lanes - it's about what kind of cities we want to live in. Do we want vibrant, sustainable communities that prioritize people's safety and well-being? Or do we want to go back to car-centric planning that we know doesn't work? For me, the answer is clear. I just hope our government listens before it's too late.