Hello, I am both a driver…

Hello,

I am both a driver and a cyclist. I regularly use the bicycle lanes year-round in my city. As a cyclist, these lanes provide me with a safe separation from vehicles, and have allowed me to cycle to and from work much more regularly, particularly in poor weather (thereby removing my own vehicle from traffic). As a driver, I MUCH prefer to drive next to a separated bike lane, than to drive next to cyclists where there is no bike lane. As a driver, it is quite stressful to drive next to cyclists where they are not protected by a lane.

Here’s the thing the government does not understand: cyclists will still be using these roads even if there is no bike lane. It will simply be more dangerous for them, and for drivers. My friend was very recently struck while cycling on a road where there was no bike lane. I myself am regularly cut off or nearly killed by ignorant drivers. Bike lanes increase safety and help get people’s cars off the roads.

I find it disgusting that the government values my life so little. I believe these kinds of bills and this kind of rhetoric amplifies the views and encourages the dangerous actions of those who aggressively drive around cyclists.

I find it disgusting that the provincial government wants to interfere in municipal matters that are not within its purview or jurisdiction. Let cities and municipalities decide what they want to do with their own roads.

This bills should not be passed. The provincial government has no business telling cities what to do.