I am a centrist voter and…

I am a centrist voter and want to chime in with my thoughts.

Removing bike lanes is not a viable solution to reducing traffic gridlock. In fact, it could worsen the problem by encouraging more car use and reducing transportation options for commuters. Cities worldwide have increasingly recognized that relying solely on cars leads to congestion, pollution, and inefficient land use. Bike lanes provide an alternative, allowing cyclists to travel safely and reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Removing them eliminates that option, forcing more people back into cars (their own, or Ubers), which exacerbates traffic issues rather than alleviating them.

Moreover, bike lanes promote a more sustainable and efficient urban environment. They are part of a broader strategy to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging active transportation. Cyclists take up far less space than cars, and when more people bike, there’s less demand for parking and less congestion overall. Cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have shown that prioritizing bike infrastructure leads to more efficient transportation networks, where roads are used by a variety of modes, each suited to different travel needs. Removing bike lanes takes away this opportunity and perpetuates car dependency.

Studies have shown that bike lanes reduce congestion. As a voter, I want decisions made based on evidence and common sense, not knee-jerk reactions to problems and culture war issues.

I am also disgusted by the provincial government's overreach in trying to tell cities what to do with their own roads. This is an abuse of power and not in line with conservatism.

My vote in the next election will be decided on whether issues like this keep being prioritized or if real change is made.