Not being familiar with the…

Not being familiar with the comment process, I am unsure whether the comment for different sections will be seen across the comments for the entire bill. Assuming this is not the case, I submit the below which overlaps with my comments on the "Building Highways Faster" portion.

I am hardly an activist, nor am I of any particular political bent, nor am I prone to hyperbole, but I feel forced to comment on this proposal.

It is appalling - starting with the cynical name of the bill. The inference is that bicycle lanes cause gridlock. There is very little evidence that this is the case. In fact, the opposite is more likely true - see the attached. But the title grabs the headline. I fear that for most people it stops there - believing that this is the case. Any subsequent thoughtful follow-up is buried by the news cycle. And for a certain segment of the population it also reinforces the idea that cyclists are the enemy.

However, with respect to the environment, I would suggest that in the short term the impact would be minor. The significant negative environmental impact of this bill would long term, in that it could discourage cycling. It certainly doesn't promote it. Bicycle lanes help to normalize cycling as a mode of transport, ultimately encouraging their use. More bicycles means fewer vehicles, lessening emissions.

The government cannot be unaware of the numerous studies that show real, effective ways of reducing traffic congestion (see attachment) - none of which include reducing bicycle lanes. I can see no upsides to this bill, environmental or otherwise. Rather than bravely taking long term actions that would make a real difference, the government wants to distract us with a proposed quick fix, which it clearly isn't.

Don't look up.