This proposal would make…

This proposal would make Ontario and less and less liveable and desirable place for all of its residents. Bike infrastructure is integral to the operation and success of cities. The solution to congestion has been proven time and time again to increase mixed modes of transportation (which cycling is a huge part of) instead of catering to drivers, most of which are single occupancy. Removing vital cycling infrastructure will inevitably lead to more drivers, more congestion, and more dangerous and toxic environment for all of the citizens. I also strongly oppose the powers the bill would grant to circumvent environmental policy to build more highways. It is 2024. We know that climate change is the biggest existential threat to our planet. This bill would only accelerate this threat, and as a resident of Ontario, I am outraged, disgusted and embarrassed.

Cyclists are not going anywhere. We don't cycle just as a choice, for many it is a necessity. By removing lanes and barriers, you are not removing us from the transit equation, but are removing the only safety measures we have. If this bill passes, all future cycling injury and death that could've been avoided by having bike infrastructure will be blood on this governments hands. You wouldn't imagine removing safety barriers on the sides of highways, so why would you do it for the least protected commuter?

There is sufficient data from a multitude of trustworthy sources that prove that cyclists are not the cause of congestion, and that they are in fact part of the solution. Premier Ford is using cyclists as a scapegoat to fool everyone into turning against them.

These are conclusions drawn from and surmised from The Biking Lawyer's website (Dave Shellnut):

"EMS vehicles are not delayed by bike lanes in getting folks to emergency rooms as confirmed by the City of Toronto’s EMS leads.

There is not a petition of 50,000 people against the bike lanes on Bloor. It’s more like 13,000 who’ve signed over several years now and Cycle Toronto’s petition in support of bike lanes is approaching that number in just weeks.

Bike lanes are good for business! They boost sales in areas they are installed, attract higher spending clientele, can increase property values, and even attract talented work forces.

Bike lanes do not increase congestion, they move people around more efficiently, create safer driving routes (less collisions, less congestion), and get people out of single occupancy motor vehicle, which actually are the cause of congestion.

Side streets are not the answer. Unconnected segments of bike lanes that force cyclists to take circuitous routes on various side streets will not encourage people to get out of their cars and onto bikes;"

Finally, this is complete government overreach. It goes against many of Doug Ford's alleged values as a Conservative politician, and would be a complete waste of tax dollars. Even a single dollar spent on removing newly installed, expensive public infrastructure, would be an absolute waste.