We’ve made so much progress. But it could all be undone, all at once.
Reports have come out that the Ontario government plans to bring forward legislation that would block the installation of bike lanes where motor vehicle lanes would have to be reduced. These changes would severely limit the ability of Toronto and municipalities across the province to expand their networks of safe and protected bike lanes.
(Screenshot from a CBC news story from September 19, 2024: "Ontario eyes barring new bike lanes where car lanes would be cut".)
In cities and towns across Ontario, people want a more vibrant and friendlier public realm. They know that easing traffic congestion is about giving people more transportation options, not fewer. Ontarians want to achieve net zero for a greener, healthier future and want their communities to be connected so that not every trip to school, to the store, or to work has to be taken by car.
In Toronto, the new legislation by the provincial government will put so many transformative projects at risk and will allow a small minority of voices to block progress on our growing cycling network.
And in communities across the province that are just beginning to embrace the benefits of complete streets, this anti-bike lane legislation could indefinitely pause progress.
Help us tell the province that we love our communities’ bike lanes, and we don't want the province saying where they can or can't be built because:
- Bike lanes are good for business
- They’re good for the environment
- They’re good for public and personal health
- They give us freedom and mobility
- Bike lanes save lives
Add your name today.
Campaign updates:
- September 19, 2024: CBC news reports that the Ontario Government is considering legislation could stop new and remove existing bike lanes
- September 20, 2024: Cycle Toronto launches “I love bike lanes” petition pushing back against proposed provincial overreach into municipal affairs
- October 16, 2024: Cycle Toronto organizes Rally for Bloor and Ride to Etobicoke Community Meeting
- October 20, 2024: Petition passes 10,000 signatures
- October 21, 2024: Minister of Transportation formally introduces Bill 212 Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024. ERO open for official public feedback for 30 days. Add your comments!
- October 23, 2024: Cycle Toronto attends Rally at Queens Park against Bill 212
- October 24, 2024: The parents of Alex Amaro on Metro Morning urge the premier to stop Bill 212: “Bike Lanes Could Have Saved Our Daughter"
- October 31, 2024: Contrary to previous claims of data-driven decisions, Bill 212 updated to specifically remove bike lanes on Bloor St., Yonge St., and University Ave.
- November 1, 2024: Petition passes 15,000 signatures
- November 13, 2024: Petition passes 20,000 signatures
- November 14, 2024: After urging from Cycle Toronto supporters, Toronto City Council passes Mayor Chow's motion "that City Council express its opposition to the proposed amendments to Part XII of the Highway Traffic Act contained in Bill 212, and any related proposed regulations, both of which contradict the stated purpose of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to allow the City to determine what is in the public interest of the city"
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November 21, 2024: 11 page amendment to Bill 212 presented at Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy specifying that "the Minister is required to remove specific bicycle lanes in the City of Toronto" and "the immunity from liability of the Crown, municipalities and other persons"
- The Trillium and Toronto Today publish excerpts from leaked cabinet briefing document that argues "[Bill 212] may not reduce congestion as most research (e.g. New York, Washington, Vancouver) suggests reducing road capacity by introducing bike lanes can encourage biking and discourage car use, alleviating congestion"
- Cycle Toronto collaborates with Advocacy For Respect for Cyclists, Friends and Families for Safe Streets, The Bike Brigade, and The Biking Lawyer on Ghost Bike Delivery to Queens Park
- November 25, 2024: Bill 212 receives third reading and Royal Assent
- December 3, 2024: Cycle Toronto announces that it has retained law firm Paliare Roland and environmental law charity Ecojustice to explore legal challenge to Bill 212
