Cycling advocates react to proposed bike lane restrictions requiring removal of traffic lanes

The provincial government is considering new rules to restrict a municipality’s ability to install new bike lanes if it means traffic lanes would be removed.

The proposal is expected be part of a gridlock reduction bill being tabled this fall.

Ontario’s Transportation Minister was asked about it on Friday morning.

“We examine a multitude of proposals when it comes to congestion management,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria. “Every [legislative] session that we get a chance we are looking at ways to make life easier for people and we are looking at ways to reduce gridlock in this province.”

Reaction in Waterloo Region

CTV News asked cycling advocates for their reaction and they expressed disappointment and skepticism over the proposal, saying the current setup is better for both cyclists and drivers.

“Having the separate infrastructure makes things safer for everyone,” said Janice Jim, vice-president of the advocacy group Cycle WR. “These cycling lanes are very well thought out. They’re planned years in advance. The cities are not just plopping one out overnight.”

She feels the decisions should be made locally.

“Cities and municipalities know their own streets best,” Jim said.

Janice Jim from Cycle WR riding in the Joseph Street bike lane in Kitchener on Sept. 20, 2024. (Krista Simpson/CTV News)

Some experts say there’s no evidence that this bike lane proposal will have a positive impact on gridlock.

“This is a terrible idea that’s not based on any research or evidence,” said Brian Doucet, at the University of Waterloo’s school of planning. “It’s going to put lives at risk and it’s not going to solve congestion.”

He added that the root cause of congestion isn’t traffic lanes being turned into bike lanes.

“Across Canada and around the world, when we see safe, seamless and connected cycling infrastructure, we see that all mobility improves,” Doucet explained.

He believes the potential restriction is specifically aimed at Toronto traffic, though it’s unlikely to solve the city’s gridlock problem and wouldn’t address traffic troubles in Waterloo Region.

“If we look at the areas of worst traffic in our own community, they tend to be along the highways and they tend to be in areas where there are no bike lanes,” said Doucet.

Instead, he’d like to see the focus shift to improving public transportation options to Toronto so commuters have the option of leaving their cars at home.