I want to express my strong…

I want to express my strong opposition to Bill 212 and to urge the Ontario government to reconsider and withdraw this proposal. Decisions impacting our communities must be guided by science, evidence, and logic—not by ideology or divisive rhetoric. Bill 212 exemplifies an unwise use of resources and misplaced priorities.

Our province faces far more pressing issues that demand immediate attention. Healthcare systems are strained to the breaking point, infrastructure remains underfunded and outdated, and timelines for critical projects consistently fall behind. Yet, instead of addressing these urgent challenges, this proposal focuses on dismantling bike lanes on Yonge, University, and Bloor Streets—a decision that lacks both rationale and supporting evidence.

The premise of Bill 212—that eliminating bike lanes will alleviate traffic congestion—is flawed and shortsighted. Converting bike lanes back into car lanes will not result in smoother traffic flow. Current data shows that these bike lanes are heavily used, with up to 30% of commuters in these areas relying on bicycles for transportation. These individuals will not disappear or abandon their daily commutes.

Without bike lanes, cyclists will be forced to share car lanes, inevitably slowing traffic even further. This not only undermines the argument for removing bike lanes but also compromises safety for all road users. The claim that these bike lanes are underutilized is based on outdated and irrelevant studies, including data from 2011 that does not pertain to these specific areas. Relying on such flawed research erodes public trust and raises concerns about the rigor behind government decision-making.

The streets targeted by Bill 212—Yonge, University, and Bloor—do not suffer from the gridlock issues the government purports to address. Instead of dismantling infrastructure that serves a vital function, the government should focus on areas that genuinely need intervention. For example, roads like Queen Street, which are plagued by narrow lanes, street parking congestion, and poor planning, should be prioritized.

Similarly, our highways, where gridlock regularly disrupts productivity and quality of life, demand urgent investment and modernization. Addressing these real challenges would provide tangible benefits to Ontario residents. Instead, this bill seeks to "solve" a problem that does not exist, creating unnecessary disruptions and wasting public funds.

This proposal also raises troubling questions about the government’s commitment to public safety and equality. By removing bike lanes, the government is effectively prioritizing the convenience of drivers over the safety of cyclists. This sends a disturbing message: that the lives of cyclists are less valuable than the minor inconvenience of traffic delays for drivers.

Cyclists are legitimate road users who contribute to our communities and our economy, and their safety must not be compromised. The implicit class system that this bill suggests—where drivers are afforded greater rights and protections than cyclists—is unacceptable. All citizens, regardless of their mode of transportation, deserve equal respect and consideration.

Bill 212 represents a misguided approach to urban planning and transportation policy. It does nothing to address real issues and instead creates new ones, all while diverting attention and resources from the critical challenges facing our province. I urge the government to withdraw this proposal and to focus instead on evidence-based solutions that prioritize safety, equity, and the long-term well-being of our communities.