As a cyclist who frequently…

As a cyclist who frequently uses bike lanes in Ontario, especially in Toronto, I have to express my disagreement with the proposed "Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024" and "Building Highways Faster Act, 2024." While I understand the need to improve traffic flow and reduce gridlock, the emphasis on expanding highways like Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, and the Garden City Skyway seems to overlook the growing need for more sustainable transportation options.

Ontario's cities, particularly Toronto, have seen a significant increase in the number of cyclists on the road, and I feel safe riding on bike lanes that are often placed alongside highways and major roads. The proposal to expedite highway construction and expropriate properties to make room for these projects raises concerns about potential impacts on local communities and, importantly, on cyclists' safety.

Expanding highways could lead to increased traffic and pollution, ultimately undermining efforts to encourage greener modes of transportation, like cycling. Moreover, if infrastructure planning continues to prioritize cars over alternative transportation methods, it could make our cities less bike-friendly, thus negatively impacting the safety and well-being of cyclists.

I believe that while highway construction projects are important, they should not come at the expense of alternative transport solutions that are better for the environment and public health. A more balanced approach that includes investments in cycling infrastructure, alongside improvements to highways, would be more beneficial to all Ontarians in the long term.