I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my family's vehement opposition to measures in this Bill that will impede the implementation of more bike lanes and, even more disappointingly, remove current bike lanes in the province.

I favour the expansion of bike lanes, not only as an amateur cyclist but also as a regular driver. I am more than happy for my drive to take a few minutes longer, if it means increased safety for people who are travelling in more vulnerable modes of transportation. In fact, as a driver I prefer bike lanes, as they make driving less stressful - I do not need to worry about injuring cyclists. Before Toronto started seriously expanding its bike lanes on major thoroughfares, my husband and I never rode our bikes to work - we never even considered it. Over the past few years, the growth of a real Toronto bike lane network has meant that myself, my husband and my two young kids have become a regular cyclists, which is better for our health, the economy, government finances and the environment.

One would think that a provincial government that constantly promotes their measures to keep costs down for individuals and families in Ontario and rails the supposed increased costs of the federal carbon tax would do all that it can to enhance forms of transportation that are low cost, like cycling. But instead, the government is proposing to rip up existing bike lanes (at the cost of millions of dollars) and essentially stop the implementation of more bike lanes - both of which will force more people into cars, costing families more money, inhibiting their physical health and hurting the environment. This is a lose-lose proposal.

This proposed policy is short-term thinking that lacks any supporting evidence, full stop. We live in a world that is facing the effects of climate change and in dire need of sustainable transportation solutions. This proposal is a step backwards, and one that will hurt future generations like my children. In addition, I have yet to see any studies that prove bike lanes are bad for businesses or moving people (vs just moving vehicles). In fact, quite the opposite.

I ask the government to rethink this policy for the safety and well-being of all Ontarians.