As an Ontario citizen who is…

As an Ontario citizen who is both a driver and a cyclist, I am writing to express my opposition to Bill 212. I have significant concerns about the effects this bill will have on the environment, local communities, and cyclist safety.

In terms of environmental impacts, by increasing highway construction, this could lead to irreversible damage to vulnerable ecosystems, including wetlands and endangered species habitats. These areas are essential to fight the effects of climate change and protect biodiversity. Prioritizing the development of more highways poses a critical risk to the environment. This will lead to an increased reliance on personal vehicles and higher greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, we should use these resources to improve public transit, ensuring it caters to all communities, including low-income individuals who rely on transit and cannot afford cars. Prioritizing highway expansion serves the wealthy and car owners, and as a Toronto citizen, this feels inequitable and unethical.

Lastly, one of the most critical issues to Bill 242 is its dangerous impact on cyclist safety. Without bike lanes, cyclists are left to navigate traffic alongside larger vehicles. This creates a hazardous environment where even minor mistakes by drivers can lead to lost lives. A recent report indicates that from 2015 to the present, 28 cyclists have been killed and 380 seriously injured in Toronto, with 68% of those incidents occurring on streets lacking cycling infrastructure (Draaisma, CBC News, 2023).

I am disgusted that the safety of cyclists is being sacrificed in the name of highway expansion/reducing gridlock for cars. We must prioritize the needs of ALL road users, not just drivers. Bike lanes save lives and make cities more equitable, and by focusing on car-centric development is a step in the wrong direction.