UTGSU Statement on Bill 212 and the Removal of Bike Lanes
Ontario Bill 212 allows the provincial government to remove bike lanes in Toronto at their discretion, including those on College and Bloor Street on the U of T St. George campus. Many UTGSU members rely on bikes to commute to campus and navigate the city, as biking is a more climate-conscious alternative to driving. Removing established bike infrastructure would have significant environmental impacts, as bike lanes are crucial safety measures that encourage biking as a sustainable mode of transportation. Additionally, the use of Bill 212 would permit the removal of bike lanes without municipal consultation, undermining city autonomy and local democracy. Therefore, the board of the UTGSU has adopted the following stance:
“While Bill 212 is in effect, the UTGSU is opposed to the removal of any bike lanes by the provincial government. The UTGSU affirms its support for bike lanes as a safety measure for its members, allowing them to safely transit to campus by bike. The UTGSU recognizes that removing bike lanes would significantly reduce and ultimately eliminate biking as a transit option for many of its members who do not feel safe biking in shared lanes with cars.
In order to challenge Bill 212 the UTGSU will:
- Communicate to its provincial and municipal representatives its opposition to this bill and the removal of bike lanes around campus.
- Communicate to University administrators its opposition to this bill and the removal of bike lanes, and request the University join the UTGSU in its opposition.
- Attempt to draft an open letter or statement with other Unions on campus or in Ontario opposing Bill 212 and the removal of bike lanes.
- Add its name to petitions and campaigns in opposition to Bill 212 and the removal of bike lanes.
- Empower UTGSU executives to attend and speak on behalf of the UTGSU in rallies and other actions opposing Bill 212 and the removal of bike lanes.”