Opposition continues to pour in over Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s fight against bike lanes. The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), with over 5,000 members, sent a letter to the government opposing new legislation that could remove bike lanes in Toronto or any other municipality.

Basinski said space for bike lanes should not be viewed as contributing to congestion. “One lane of mixed traffic can move up to 2,000 passengers per hour in optimal conditions. However, a dedicated bike lane can move up to 12,000 passengers per hour,” the letter reads.

”What problem is this (the proposed legislation) actually solving?” Basinski said. “If anything, it seems to move us backward, away from the common goal of creating complete, livable and sustainable communities that are accessible to all Ontarians, regardless of where they live.”

The City of Toronto estimates the cost to taxpayers for removing these bike lanes could reach $48 million, with the city already investing $27 million in their construction. Restoring vehicle lanes will likely offer minimal improvements in travel time and undermine the public health, environmental and economic benefits of active transportation, the report warns.