This proposal is not suited…

This proposal is not suited for adoption. Its stated goals of reducing gridlock and saving travel time are the opposite of the effects it will cause. Adding more roads (including highways) and preventing the removal of motor vehicle road space for bicycles will both increase gridlock. This isn't an opinion, it's the proven result of these activities around the world over the last century. The proposal will only further dig Ontario deeper into the hole that is car-dependency and increase the cost and time for us to get out of it. If we want Ontario to be a place that is enjoyable for humans to live and thus continuing to attract businesses and skilled immigrants, we need to refocus all efforts on every alternatives to personal vehicle driving. Between the health and environmental effects of cars directly (pollutants and noise, not to mention collisions) and indirectly through mining and car-dependency, reduction and pollution of agricultural lands, there is no reason to make the problems worse, as in this proposal. The exemptions proposed to reduce environmental assessment is a perfect example of why the assessment process exists in the first place: to prevent dangerous ideas like these. Not to mention the disrespect for property owners in limiting their ability to face the threat of expropriation.

If that all sounds abstract and impersonal, how about this: my life, the life of my child, other family members, friends, and many others across the province will literally be in greater danger every single day due to the reduced safety from loss of current and proposed safe cycling infrastructure; infrastructure that is only necessary as a result of our car-dependency and prioritization, i.e. what this proposal aims to further entrench.

This proposal takes us backwards, while other regions are moving forward.