Ford government considering restricting new bike lanes that require the removal of lanes of traffic: source
CTV
The Ford government is considering restricting Ontario municipalities from installing new bike lanes that would require the removal of lanes of traffic, a source confirms to CTV News Toronto.
The Ford government is considering restricting Ontario municipalities from installing new bike lanes that would require the removal of lanes of traffic, a source confirms to CTV News Toronto.
The discussions come ahead of the introduction of a gridlock reduction bill that is expected to be tabled this fall.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria was specifically asked about the idea during an unrelated news conference on Friday morning but would not confirm whether or not it was something under consideration.
“We examine a multitude of proposals when it comes to congestion management,” he said. “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. We have seen a record amount of gridlock…”
Toronto has significantly expanded its bike lane infrastructure in recent years and currently has a three-year plan to deliver 100 kilometres of either new or significantly upgraded bikeways by 2027.
During a news conference on Friday morning, Mayor Olivia Chow was asked about the possibility that the province could seek to limit the installation of new bike lanes but noted that she hasn’t had “any conversations” or “seen any legislation.”
Chow went on to express concerns about any attempt to limit bike lane infrastructure.
