Ontario has a new idea to cut down on traffic in case plans to build the world's biggest highway tunnel don’t pan out.
Driving the news: The provincial government is working to reverse what it has called an “explosion” of bike lanes over recent years by introducing a new law that gives it the power to block the construction of new bike lanes and force cities to hand over their traffic data.
- If existing bike lanes in high-traffic areas prove to be making travel times worse for drivers, the province could even force cities to remove some lanes.
Why it matters: Across Canada, the arguments around bike lanes are heating up. Advocates point to the importance of cyclist safety and having non-vehicle transit options, while opponents say the lanes are underused and add time to their rush hour commutes.
- Protesters took to the streets to oppose new bike lanes in Montréal, while cities like Victoria, Halifax, and Edmonton are also grappling with pushback.
Big picture: Toronto is one of the most congested cities in the world, but experts largely point to record road closures, construction projects, and lacklustre public transit options as the main culprits for the gridlock.—LA