Letter to MPPs on the issue of cycling lanes in Ontario

Date: [Mo DD, YYYY]

[your first name] [your surname]

[Address 1] – house number, street

[Address 2] – condo#, optional

Ottawa, ON [postal code]

Mr/Mrs/Ms [First name] [Surname], M.P.P.

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. [Surname],

I am writing to express my concerns about Ontario Premier Ford’s recent stance on cycle lanes and to advocate against measures that would restrict or reduce cycling infrastructure. Ford’s law would set back efforts to tackle traffic congestion, reduce CO2 emissions, and the promotion of a healthier lifestyle for all.

The Traffic Congestion Myth

Reducing or limiting cycle lanes will only exacerbate traffic congestion. Cities worldwide have found that well-designed cycling infrastructure encourages people to choose bicycles over cars, particularly for shorter trips. A European Union study from 2016, entitled The Role of Walking and Cycling in Reducing Congestion: A Portfolio of Measures, presented “case studies of successfully implemented urban measures supportive of walking and cycling. The measures described […] helped reduce congestion or at least have increased walking and/or cycling levels without increasing congestion.”(p.6). In New York, for instance, travel time for car traffic in busy areas of the city decreased by 35% after cycle lanes were introduced (p.19).In fact, adding car lanes to traffic triggers the phenomenon of “induced demand” – the more lanes there are available, the more cars there will be, thereby increasing congestion.

The Safety of Cyclists

Without dedicated cycling lanes, cyclists are forced onto roads, slowing traffic flow, and increasing the risk of accidents, which can create additional delays. By September of this year, six cyclists had died on Toronto’s Roads (CBC, September 5, 2024).

The Environmental Impact

We cannot ignore the environmental impact. Transportation is one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions, and any measure that disincentivizes cycling and encourages car use undermines our environmental commitments.

Your party has committed to many actions to safeguard Canada’s environment. Please now oppose Ontario Government’s Bill 212.

Thank you for your commitment in the past to Canadians’ right to safe transport and to the protection of our glorious natural environment.

Sincerely,
[Signature]

[your first name] [your surname]