The War on Cars
TEASER: Doug Ford and Ontario's War on Bikes
Nov 19, 2024
In this engaging discussion, journalist Sabrina Nanji, founder of the Queens Park Observer, sheds light on Doug Ford's contentious Bill 212, which threatens the future of bike lanes in Ontario. She explores the political fallout surrounding bike lane opposition, touching on local business reactions and community sentiments. The urban-suburban divide in voter support highlights pivotal tensions, suggesting that cycling infrastructure could become a key issue in upcoming elections.
08:38
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Quick takeaways
- Doug Ford's proposed Bill 212 mandates provincial approval for bike lanes, which may significantly hinder urban cycling infrastructure development.
- The political debate over bike lanes exposes a divide between urban supporters and suburban opponents, highlighting differing priorities and regional concerns.
Deep dives
Impact of Bill 212 on Bike Lane Development
Bill 212, known as the Reducing Gridlock Saving You Time Act, poses significant challenges for the installation of new bike lanes in Ontario. The legislation mandates that municipalities must seek provincial approval to establish bike lanes, particularly in situations where a traffic lane must be removed. This requirement could lead to a substantial reduction in bike lane projects, adversely affecting cycling advocates' efforts to enhance urban cycling infrastructure. Moreover, the bill is part of a broader narrative pushed by the Ford government, which claims that limiting bike lanes will alleviate traffic congestion, despite contradicting data suggesting that bike lanes can benefit local businesses and reduce overall traffic issues.
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