This policy is a terrible…

This policy is a terrible move by the province that stems from a single fallacy: that more traffic lanes will improve traffic flow, while fewer lanes will impede it. Cars are, by design, extremely inefficient for moving people compared to every other urban transportation mode. Dedicated bus lanes and separated cycling lanes can move greater amounts of people per hour than a single car lane. Tram/LRT systems trounce vehicular lanes in this regard as well. Would the province ever think to introduce policy that would require approval to install a bus lane if it meant the removal of a car traffic lanes? What about forbidding a new tram-line?

This seems like a blatant targetting of cyclists, and using them as a scapegoat for traffic issues caused by cars and the lack of reliable public transit and active transportation options. If anything, this policy will eventually force people who would use a bicycle to either use their car or cycle amidst car traffic. The former only adds to traffic congestion and the latter being statistically far more dangerous. Cities across Ontario, and Canada in general, are investing in cycling infrastructure because it creates a safe space for cyclists to ride, which encourages cycling as a reliable mode of transportation and also reduces the risk of injury or death caused by cars.

Adding unnecessary red tape to creating safe and inclusive cycling infrastructure will mean fewer people adopting cycling as an option to get around. Cycling is good for your health physical and mental health, has very little up-front and long-term maintenance costs, costs fewer tax dollars on road/path maintenance , produces no greenhouse emissions, contributes very little to noise pollution, benefits local businesses, is more inclusive to disabled or low-income residents and provides citizens with a more rewarding way to get around their cities.

I'll end on this: the only way to reduce traffic is get fewer cars on the road. The only ways to do that are to provide reliable public transit, or encouraging other, more safe and efficient ways of moving individuals, such as separated cycling paths.

- Tanner from Ottawa