I would like to voice my…

I would like to voice my disappointment with the proposed Bill 212. It is a blatant example of confirmation bias (that bike lanes cause traffic), and disagrees with all research on root cause & solutions for congestion in cities.

It is widely accepted within the transportation engineering community that addition of lanes designed for cars does not decrease traffic congestion, but rather increases congestion in the long term as more people elect to drive as their primary option.

Reducing opportunities for an improved cycling network with our cities is a short-sited approach that may negligibly decrease car traffic for a year or two, before making it much worse. Conversely, improving the cycling network has potential to decrease congestion as more people elect to cycle as a primary mode of transportation.

Major streets that are congested see high traffic volumes because they are the most efficient route for drivers. This is no different for cyclists. Cycling as an alternative to driving needs to be efficient to be viable. By eliminating cycle lanes on major streets the province is making cycling a less attractive option - and will subsequently promote driving, more congestion.

I hope that the province considers the overwhelming scientific evidence, the climate, and the safety of its people, before enacting a bill that is not supported by fact.