The proposed legislation…

The proposed legislation that would prohibit vehicle lane reductions for the implementation of new bike lanes is dangerous, misguided, and short-sighted. It is incredibly disappointing to see the government ignore decades of data from here and around the world about how to actually reduce congestion, save lives, and build strong, vibrant cities. The bill as proposed displays a rudimentary understanding of how cities work in the 21st century. It is blatantly ideological in its effort to pit citizens who choose different modes of transit against each other instead of allowing municipalities to take an evidence based approach to designing roads to function safely and efficiently for all.

Every person that uses a protected bike lane is taking vehicles off the road. They are choosing a cleaner, more efficient mode of transport that positively contributes to the health and function of their city. By removing those protections or preventing new ones from being constructed, the province is punishing its citizens, endangering their lives, exacerbating traffic, and undermining the local democratic process.

The benefits of bike lanes are settled fact throughout the best and brightest cities around the world. The fact that these petty fights are still being waged by the current government is a humbling and embarrassing reflection of their competency and vision. Ontario deserves better from its elected officials.