I am strongly opposed to…

I am strongly opposed to this legislation. Municipalities should have autonomy over city planning decisions including bike lanes. The province should be focused on strategies to actually reduce congestion - like public transit. A car is the worst way to get around and we should be building cities and towns (especially cities) that are walkable, bike able, and accessible by transit. Building cities around people, not cars, benefits everyone. Traffic congestion is reduced when more people walk, bike, and take transit to work. These are also better for the environment.
Studies show that more available lanes of traffic actually increase congestion over time. I urge the province to look at the data and research and to make decisions based on facts, not on ideology or because of an unfair bias against cyclists. I am a health care worker in the province who rides my bike to and from work every day. I was hit by a driver earlier this year when I was following all rules of traffic - the driver was just not paying attention. As a cyclist, I am a vulnerable road user. We need to ensure our infrastructure supports *my* safety and the safety of other cyclists and pedestrians to prevent harm and death. We cannot compromise this for the convenience of drivers. It is morally wrong. I implore provincial lawmakers to withdraw this legislation in the name of safety and common sense.