I'm very disappointed I need…

I'm very disappointed I need to express my concerns regarding the proposed introduction of additional bike lane challenges. Removing bike lanes and making new lanes even more difficult to build is insane.

Bike lane networks in most North American cities are poorly connected and patchy, and ours in Ontario are no exception. Arguing "lack of use" as justification for removing bike lanes when the reason for their lack of use is due to them having poor coverage and questionable utility. How are we supposed to increase cycling in our cities if we are actively fighting safe and accessible infrastructure? Why is it okay to force cyclists off of the most direct and efficient routes? Why have we dedicated an obscene amount space to cars?

Funneling more cars into our urban centres is an awful idea that we've tried it before and it didn't go well. Active transportation and public transit need to be encouraged and invested in. These forms of transportation are far more efficient at moving people, and if our cities continue to grow and densify efficient transportation is mandatory.

There is a saying “When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression." Automobile drivers have been catered to and a privileged class for over 70 years, and losing a few feet of roadway feel like a declaration of war. We have made car ownership compulsory in this country, which makes it extremely difficult to live life without a car. Instead of continuing to prioritize the car "because everyone drives" we need to prioritize other more efficient forms of transportation BECAUSE EVERYONE DRIVES!

Bill 212 is foolish. It is wrong. It's making bike lanes political. It's prioritizing the most expensive and inefficient form of transportation. It's government overreach. It makes our roads less safe. This is just abhorrent. I can't believe I even had to sit down to write this comment. Please, consider how many people are going to be negatively affected by these decisions. If we are ever going to move towards healthier more efficient cities, prioritizing the car is definitely not the path forward. Cars are subsidized enough.

I could literally go on and on like this. I'll end it here by reiterating my disappointment.

Sincerely,

-Disappointed Ontario Cycling Guy