The legislation does not…

The legislation does not acknowledge the Province's recognition of the value that bicycle infrastructure can have on improving traffic safety, reducing congestion, reducing pollution, improving public health or stimulating the local economy. It is important to acknowledge this so that the evaluation criteria for removing existing bike infrastructure or for denying new projects reflects this in the proper context, and is not solely based on automobile traffic flow and travel times.

In the case of removals, it is also important to acknowledge the volume of cyclists that are now on the corridor as a result of the bike infrastructure being built, and that if removed, this volume may remain if there isn't an adequate alternative. This volume of cyclists, now left unprotected, could lead to even greater traffic congestion, both actual and perceived, as it would increase the conflict points between road users, ultimately leading to more frustration and animosity, with potentially deadly consequences.

If, for example, after review of the required information, the province demands removal of existing bike lane, this decision should account for the safety impacts that removing the bike lanes can have on the cyclists that will now be left exposed.