I am writing to voice my…

I am writing to voice my objection to Bill 212.

The provincial government’s myopic focus on maximizing private vehicle speeds will put the lives of all road users at risk, including pedestrians, cyclists and, yes, drivers. With respect to the latter, study after study has shown that complete streets that give adequate space for all road users reduces vehicular collisions and injuries by 30-50%. The reason is simple: roads are easier to navigate when everyone has their own space.

Meanwhile, narrower streets allow drivers to operate motor vehicles at a speed that reflects the environment, without having to rely on the use of police or radar enforcement. Alternatively, removing bike lanes in favour of wider multi-lane roads designed solely to maximize vehicle throughput are not only less liveable for nearby residents and businesses, but significantly deadlier as they encourage dangerous driving regardless of the actual posted speed limit.

At the same time, removing bike lanes will do nothing to ease gridlock. Vehicular congestion is not caused by bike lanes. Traffic is caused by too many cars. Reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on our roads through the provision of safe alternatives including walking, bike lanes and rapid transit is the solution to congestion. Even if these alternatives mean reducing the amount of space on public roads dedicated to private vehicles.

A provincial government – in particular one that label’s itself a small “c” government that abhors federal interference in its affairs – should not introduce legislation that interferes with municipal decision-making and autonomy. This includes adding additional layers of red tape to local infrastructure planning and development. Infrastructure that is paid for and maintained not by the province, but through local property taxes.