I am writing to strongly…

I am writing to strongly oppose Bill 212.

The proposed changes are deeply concerning, particularly regarding bike lanes, taxpayer money, and broader implications like environmental impacts and provincial overreach. Here are my key concerns:

Bike Lane Removal Jeopardizes Safety
Removing bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University will drastically reduce safety for cyclists, including my children and me. Data from the City of Toronto shows a 56 percent reduction in cyclist injuries after the installation of bike lanes on Bloor Street, despite a 40 to 90 percent increase in cycling activity. Removing these lanes will reverse this progress and make our streets more dangerous.

No Real Traffic Improvements
The argument that bike lanes cause traffic congestion is not supported by evidence. For example, Montreal has successfully integrated an extensive bike lane network without negatively impacting traffic flow. Studies from Montreal demonstrate that well-designed bike lanes separate modes of transportation effectively, reducing conflicts and making streets more efficient for all users. City staff in Toronto also reported that removing bike lanes will result in minimal improvements in vehicle travel times, while the construction required for their removal will disrupt traffic for years. Removing bike lanes will discourage cycling as a viable transportation option, likely increasing car usage and further exacerbating congestion.

Waste of Taxpayer Money
The estimated cost of removing the bike lanes is at least 48 million dollars—a staggering waste of taxpayer funds. These funds could be better allocated to projects that genuinely improve traffic flow, such as enhancing public transportation or repairing existing infrastructure. As a taxpayer, I am frustrated that my money is being directed toward dismantling infrastructure that has proven safety and environmental benefits.

Environmental Concerns
Bill 212 proposes fast-tracking highway projects, such as Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass, by bypassing environmental assessments. These exemptions threaten local ecosystems and ignore the long-term consequences of increased vehicle emissions and habitat destruction. Removing bike lanes and prioritizing car-centric policies contradict the province’s stated sustainability goals and will worsen urban pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Provincial Overreach
The bill undermines local governance by requiring municipalities to obtain provincial approval for bike lanes that reduce vehicle traffic lanes. Municipalities know their unique transportation needs better than the province and should retain the ability to make these decisions without interference. This overreach erodes trust in local leadership and sets a dangerous precedent for provincial control over municipal planning.

Conclusion:
Bill 212 is a regressive step that prioritizes short-term, car-centric policies over long-term, sustainable, and community-focused solutions. It puts my family’s safety at risk, wastes taxpayer dollars, and disregards environmental and local governance concerns. I urge the government to reconsider and focus on strategies that benefit all road users and protect our environment.