I’m opposed to the idea of…

I’m opposed to the idea of removing existing bike lanes, or preventing new ones, in some circumstances as proposed by Bill 212.

More bike lanes actually means better traffic flow for motorists.
Bike lanes encourage more people to travel by bike as it is safer for cyclists to be in bike lanes than in car lanes. And encouraging more people to use bicycles helps reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, meaning there is less congestion and better traffic flow for those who want, or need, to take their cars, as well as for emergency vehicles.

Bike lanes that are separated from car lanes also help reduce the risk of accidents for motorists. With cyclists in their own bike lanes, motorists don’t have to go around cyclists who are in car lanes. Going around cyclists increases the risk, for the motorists, of accidents with other cars.
Also, with cyclists in bike lanes, motorists are not stuck behind cyclists in car lanes. Cyclists in car lanes mean that motorists are going much slower than if the cyclists were out of the car lanes and into bike lanes.

There are also strong economic incentives. Dedicated bike lanes make it easier for people to cycle, encouraging a more active lifestyle, meaning fewer emissions of greenhouse gases and improved air quality; All of those elements contribute to reducing public health costs. Studies have also shown that after the implementation of bike lanes in cities, there is increase in foot traffic, contributing to vibrant street life and boosted retail activity