I'm opposed to Bill 212 and…

I'm opposed to Bill 212 and its framework for bike lanes that require removal of a traffic lane.

Cycling is my method of transportation in Toronto. I literally wept with joy when the bike lanes were finally finished on Bloor near Dundas West because it was too dangerous to take a lane and ride in front of cars under two sets of railroad tracks that involves a dip and an incline. Vehicles drive close behind bikes as they coast down, and are impatient when bikes ride up the incline at a slower speed. I will be forced back into this situation if bikes lanes are removed and/or if future bikes lanes are prevented.

I've watched cycling grow in my city and in other cities across Ontario (Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Niagara, Windsor, Barrie) as bike lanes are installed and bikeshare programs take off. Bike lanes are full and getting fuller. The ones I use are full of delivery cyclists, the lanes clearly supporting the local economy.

Ontario cities are growing. Removing bike lanes won't solve the gridlock new people and new vehicles will bring. As cities grow in density, the people who live there need to be supported with a variety of safe and ample transportation options – including cycling, which doesn't pollute and create CO2 emissions like vehicles do. Many are choosing cycling as a daily transit option, including during the colder months – they're not cycling for recreation. Without sustainable options, more people will be compelled to drive. Bill 212 prevents Canadian cities from taking the action they need to take to stop climate change.

I believe municipalities in Ontario should have the power to make decisions about bike lanes without input or approval from the province. The people who live in cities know what's best for their them – especially how they want their city to grow, how they want to promote healthy lifestyles and provide more transport options for everyone, including kids, families and seniors. Not everyone commuting within and to and from cities can afford a vehicle. Many people work or provide caregiving in early or late hours when there's no transit option available. They need bike lanes to get home and go to work. Removing bike lines and preventing construction of new bike lines discourages cycling by making it unsafe.

Lastly, I'm worried about Bill 212 given the driver culture I've observed in my city and others across Ontario. Drivers do not drive safely around cyclists despite the fact that their vehicles (which are growing larger and larger) can kill cyclists. If cyclists are forced to take the lane due to the lack of protected lanes, we will do so. Like drivers, we also need to get from A to B. However, drivers will blame cyclists for slowing them down, taking "their" space, and cyclists will pay the price.

Ample research exists to prove that more lanes doesn't solve gridlock. Bike lanes ultimately have a smaller city footprint than car lanes and parking. And every cyclist represents a car that's not taking up road space. Please vote against this bill to build a realistic, sustainable future for cities and to save cyclist lives.