PROVINCIAL NOD MUST FOR NEW BIKE LANES THAT REMOVE A TRAFFIC LANE

According to the proposed legislation, municipalities would need to demonstrate that the planned bike lanes would not negatively impact vehicle traffic.

NEWS | OCTOBER 16

ETOBICOKE — Christine Hogarth, MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, joined Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria on Tuesday as he introduced a common-sense legislation that, if passed, would require cities to obtain provincial approval for any new bike lanes that involve removing a lane of traffic.


According to the proposed legislation, municipalities would need to demonstrate that the planned bike lanes would not negatively impact vehicle traffic. These changes are part of a legislative package set to kick off the fall session of the Ontario Legislature on October 21, 2024.

“Ontario cities have seen a surge in bike lanes, many of which were installed during the pandemic when fewer vehicles were on the road, making their long-term impacts on traffic unclear,” said Minister Sarkaria. “Too many drivers are now stuck in gridlock as a result, which is why our government is implementing oversight and ensuring decisions about bike lanes are informed.”

Speaking at the announcement on Bloor Street West, a major arterial road impacted by bike lane installation, MPP Christine Hogarth expressed gratitude to Premier Doug Ford and Minister Sarkaria for prioritizing a balanced approach to municipal bike lane planning.

“Over the summer, I spoke with residents and toured businesses along Bloor Street, and the message was clear: Bloor is not the right street for bike lanes,” said MPP Hogarth. “I’ve heard how these bike lanes are hurting businesses and making it difficult for everyone, including emergency vehicles, to navigate. We are not opposed to cyclists, but this is about ensuring the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. What we need is a pragmatic, common-sense approach to bike lanes, not one driven by ideology.”