Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this Bill - to the person who has to amalgamate all this information, I commend the work you do! Good luck :) My perspective is in regards to supporting the cycling infrastructure in Ontario. I hope that there is the ability for the ministry to not just put motor transportation ahead of cycling transportation. I understand that the Ministry's mandate is to focus on "Moving people and goods safely, efficiently and sustainably across Ontario to improve quality of life and support a globally competitive economy." I believe the Ministry has been working on a multi-modal plan for years, hoping to allow for more cycling and multi-purpose infrastructure throughout the province. Cycling speaks to moving people sustainability and improving the quality of life. I understand that the Ministry has to balance the ability to move good and services in a fashion that meets its mandate and that can be a juggling act. Cycling has grown in interest and is a healthy way to commute, and enjoy recreationally. There are many cities throughout Ontario (e.g., Toronto and Sault Ste. Marie) that encourage cycling as a mode of transportation to help alleviate gridlock, but also to promote healthy/active living. I understand the need to balance public transit and traditional road infrastructure needs with the needs of other modes of transportation, but try not to reduce biking - it has great externalities that might not be able to be quantified, but there is a positive impact to society overall. Think about how other cities that have a healthy cycling network (e.g., Chicago) - Chicago is a similar population size to Toronto, and has one of the best cycling infrastructure networks in the US. It's possible that Ontario (e.g., Toronto) can have a growing cycling network, that might compromise traffic lanes but doesn't have to compromise the overall health of a city which is willing to cycle and has the desire to cycle.