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Cycling infrastructure (Separated bike lanes)

Note that it specifically says any current project doesnt apply to this law.

Where is the part where this affects currently installed bike lanes?
Is that just a threat at this point?
 
generalcanada said:
Note that it specifically says any current project doesnt apply to this law.

Where is the part where this affects currently installed bike lanes?
Is that just a threat at this point?
Click to expand...

Well the bill says:

"Ministry may review existing bicycle lanes

(5) In the circumstances described in subsection (6), the Ministry may require a municipality to provide traffic information relating to an existing bicycle lane on a highway under its jurisdiction and control, and the municipality shall comply with the request.

Application

(6) Subsection (5) applies where,

(a) the addition of the bicycle lane reduced the number of marked lanes for travel by motor vehicle traffic along any portion of or on either side of the highway where the bicycle lane is located; and
(b) the municipality is prescribed by regulation for the purpose of subsection (5)." "

So in the bill it says it can review existing bike lanes, but it's not clear to me what "reviewing" an existing bike lane mean.
 
Analysis of the current draft law and its implications by AI of Google:

This draft law significantly impacts the authority of municipalities in Ontario to construct bicycle lanes on highways under their jurisdiction. Here's a breakdown of the key provisions and their implications:

1. Provincial Approval Required:

  • Section 195.2 (1) & (2): Municipalities designated by the Minister would need provincial approval to build bicycle lanes that reduce the number of lanes for motor vehicle traffic. This effectively gives the Ministry of Transportation a veto over certain bike lane projects.
2. Scope:

  • "Bicycle lane" (8): The definition is broad, including any portion of a highway dedicated to bicycles, even partially.
  • Regulations (7): The Minister has broad power to define which municipalities this applies to, what information they must provide, and to exempt certain highways.
3. Ministry's Considerations:

  • Traffic Flow (4): The Ministry can assess whether a bike lane would "unduly diminish" motor vehicle traffic flow, potentially prioritizing car movement over cycling infrastructure.
  • Review of Existing Lanes (5) & (6): The Ministry can demand data on existing bike lanes that reduced car lanes in designated municipalities, hinting at potential future actions regarding these lanes.
4. Transition (3): Projects already underway or contracted before the law comes into force are exempt, providing a limited grandfathering clause.

Implications:

  • Reduced Municipal Autonomy: This significantly curtails the ability of municipalities to implement cycling infrastructure as part of their local transportation planning.
  • Potential for Delays and Obstacles: The approval process could add delays and create barriers to building bike lanes, even if they have strong local support.
  • Focus on Car Traffic: The emphasis on maintaining motor vehicle traffic flow may hinder efforts to promote cycling and other sustainable modes of transportation.
  • Uncertainty: The broad regulatory powers and ability to review existing lanes create uncertainty about the future of cycling infrastructure in Ontario.
Concerns:

  • Lack of Consultation: Municipalities have expressed concerns about the lack of consultation in drafting this legislation.
  • Evidence-Based Decision-Making: It's unclear what evidence the Ministry will use to assess bike lane proposals and existing infrastructure.
  • Impact on Cycling Safety and Sustainability Goals: This law could negatively impact efforts to improve cycling safety and encourage more people to cycle, which have environmental and health benefits.
This analysis highlights the key aspects of the draft law. It's crucial to follow the legislative process and any further details or regulations released by the Ministry to fully understand its potential impact.
 
chrisw said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1848443122008965419

The province is offering to pay for the costs of removing existing bike lanes.
Click to expand...

If they pay for full road reconstruction to for example widen the road's ROW by moving the curbs and hydro poles/lamp posts to make room to keep the bike lane and add the removed car lane back (with narrowed car lanes) or to install raised bike lanes along the sidewalks, where these are feasible, that would be appreciated!
 
Last edited:
Andy_in_Toronto said:
The announcement of the Minister of Transportation today. On the webpage only this paragraph is published:

New provincial approval process for the installation of new bike lanes: The bill would require municipalities to receive approval from the province before installing new bike lanes that would result in the removal of lanes for traffic. Municipalities would be required to demonstrate that the proposed bike lanes won’t have a negative impact on vehicle traffic.
Source: https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1005212/the-reducing-gridlock-saving-you-time-act

Is this now just a paper tiger?
Click to expand...
"Required to demonstrate no negative impact" is kind of a high bar. It's effectively a ban on road diets.
 
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