LETTER: Ford's bike lane restrictions would undermine Ontario’s housing goals

GuelphToday received the following letter examining the apparent contradiction between housing affordability and restrictions on new cycling lanes.

As Ontario continues to push forward with policies designed to address housing affordability – such as the removal of certain parking minimums – it is both puzzling and counterproductive to see the Ontario government simultaneously flirting with restrictions on the construction of new cycling lanes.

Earlier this year, the government passed Bill 185 the “Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act” which removed parking minimums for developments near major transit stations, though the bill explicitly permits bicycle parking requirements.

This legislation was a clear acknowledgement that not every Ontarian wants, or may be able to afford to own a car, and that other forms of mobility are essential. Yet, by potentially hindering the development of cycling infrastructure, the government is leaving a critical gap in its own urban planning logic.

Many new developments that are being built without car parking are on, or near major roads. How are all of these residents expected to navigate their surroundings without safe cycling infrastructure? If they are pushed into driving, the added car trips will not work to alleviate traffic. If they cycle without safe infrastructure, they’ll be doing so by putting themselves at risk. Well-designed bike lane networks are essential to moving all Ontarians safely, efficiently, and affordably.

Active transportation, including cycling, plays a vital role in lowering transportation costs, and addressing the mobility needs of all residents. If Ontario is serious about creating affordable, livable communities, it cannot afford to limit access to safe cycling infrastructure.

The government’s approach not only threatens to undermine its own housing affordability strategy, but is likely to exacerbate traffic congestion - the very thing they’re trying to address. For Ontario’s housing and transportation policies to succeed, they must be aligned and working towards a common goal of increased affordability, and safety for all Ontarians.

Adrian Salvatore
Chair, Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation