In this Article we talk about Ford Government to Restrict New Bike Lanes in Bid to Ease Gridlock. In an effort to tackle increasing traffic congestion, Premier Doug Ford’s government is set to propose new legislation aimed at limiting the construction of new bike lanes across Ontario. This move is part of a larger plan to ease gridlock by prioritizing motor vehicle traffic and expediting highway construction projects. The legislation, titled the “Reducing Gridlock and Saving You Time Act,” is expected to override municipal powers and could potentially reshape urban transportation infrastructure across Ontario.
The move has sparked debates about its effectiveness and its impact on various stakeholders, from suburban commuters to environmental advocates. While Ford’s government is framing the initiative as a necessary step to tackle traffic issues, critics argue it could have unintended consequences for road safety, climate goals, and urban mobility.
What is the “Reducing Gridlock and Saving You Time Act”?
The “Reducing Gridlock and Saving You Time Act” is a proposed piece of legislation that seeks to limit the construction of new bike lanes, particularly when these bike lanes replace existing lanes for cars, trucks, or other vehicles. Additionally, the Act will expedite highway construction projects, with the hope that faster road-building will lead to less traffic congestion.
According to insiders, one of the key provisions of the Act is to allow 24-7 construction for major highway projects, such as Highway 413, which will connect Milton to Highway 400. This strategy is seen as critical for speeding up development and improving commuting times.
Why Is the Ford Government Targeting Bike Lanes?
Ford’s government has been critical of the rapid expansion of bike lanes, especially in cities like Toronto. The argument is that bike lanes reduce the number of lanes available to cars, leading to increased congestion. In areas heavily reliant on automobiles, this can be seen as detrimental to traffic flow, which has been a major talking point for suburban voters who often have fewer public transportation options.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria explained, “We need to look at a multitude of options to reduce gridlock. That includes rethinking how we use our road space.”
Impact on Suburban Voters
For suburban communities, where residents largely depend on cars to get around, this move could be seen as a positive. Many suburban areas do not have the infrastructure to support heavy bike usage, and reducing the number of lanes for cars can make commutes longer and more frustrating.
By prioritizing vehicle traffic, Ford’s government hopes to gain the support of suburban voters who may feel alienated by city-focused policies like bike lane expansion. These voters could play a crucial role in upcoming elections, especially as Ford’s Progressive Conservatives consider moving up the election date to next year.
Reaction from Toronto
The response to this plan in Toronto has been swift and divided. Mayor Olivia Chow, though initially reluctant to comment on a proposal she had not yet reviewed, warned that limiting bike lanes could exacerbate traffic issues. “Imagine if all those cyclists were instead driving. It would only make congestion worse,” she said.
On the other hand, Coun. Brad Bradford, an avid cyclist, voiced concerns about the safety and efficiency of certain bike lanes. “Not all bike lanes are created equal,” he stated, referencing problematic lanes on Yonge Street and Bloor West. Bradford believes the city must reassess bike lanes that might be slowing down traffic more than helping it.
Cyclist Fatalities in 2024
One of the key issues driving opposition to the Ford government’s plan is road safety. In Toronto alone, six cyclists have been killed this year, highlighting the dangers that cyclists face when bike infrastructure is limited or inadequate.
Coun. Dianne Saxe, whose ward includes two of the locations where fatalities occurred, emphasized the importance of bike lanes for safety. “There is research from all over the world that bike lanes make everyone safer,” she said. Saxe argues that reducing bike lanes will put cyclists at greater risk and could lead to even more fatalities.
Ford’s Long-standing Criticism of Bike Lanes
Premier Ford has been a vocal critic of bike lane expansion since his time as a city councilor. His administration has previously taken actions to reduce the influence of municipal governments on issues like this, including cutting the size of Toronto’s city council in half during a previous election cycle.
Ford’s criticism is based on the argument that the city needs to prioritize solutions for the vast majority of commuters, who still rely on cars. The latest move to curb new bike lanes is seen as a continuation of this philosophy, even as critics point out that bike lanes are an important part of modern urban planning.
Environmental and Public Health Concerns
One of the main criticisms of restricting bike lanes is its impact on climate change goals. Cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation, reducing emissions and helping cities meet their carbon reduction targets.
Matti Siemiatycki, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, warns that Ford’s plan could have negative environmental consequences. “Cycling in the city is a wedge issue. It’s part of a culture war. We have too many cars and not enough space,” Siemiatycki said. He believes the policy is more about politics than effective transportation planning.
Green Party leader Mike Schreiner echoed these concerns, stating that “there is literally no evidence that bike infrastructure makes traffic worse.” Schreiner added that reducing bike lanes would make it harder for people to choose environmentally friendly modes of transport, leading to more traffic and potentially more deaths on the road.
Impact on Municipal Power
One of the most contentious aspects of the legislation is its override of municipal powers. Local governments, particularly in large cities like Toronto, have typically had control over road and transportation infrastructure. By stripping cities of their ability to make decisions about bike lanes, Ford’s government is centralizing power in the provincial government.
Critics, including Mayor Olivia Chow, have expressed concerns about the provincial government meddling in municipal affairs. This echoes previous conflicts, such as when Ford reduced the size of Toronto’s city council in 2018.
A Critical Juncture in Ontario’s Transportation Debate The Ford government’s plan to restrict new bike lanes as part of the “Reducing Gridlock and Saving You Time Act” is shaping up to be a divisive issue. While some see it as a necessary step to improve commuting times and ease traffic, others argue it could have far-reaching consequences for road safety, environmental goals, and the autonomy of municipalities.
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