I am deeply frustrated by…

I am deeply frustrated by this bill. As someone who relies on bike lanes daily, I view them as essential infrastructure for safety and mobility. Removing these lanes only increases vulnerability for cyclists like myself. Prioritizing driver convenience over the safety of cyclists and pedestrians disregards the needs of many Ontarians, including those who are already deeply marginalized.

Safety should come before maximizing road space for cars. Reducing congestion can be achieved by providing accessible alternatives, such as consistent regional transit. For instance, I live in Guelph, and while many of us would prefer to take the train, the lack of weekend service often forces us to drive. Expanding transit options and increasing the frequency of regional trains would ease congestion and improve the quality of life.

Research shows that bike lanes don’t cause congestion. They often help reduce it by offering alternative transportation options. Making streets less safe for cyclists will ultimately worsen congestion as more people are discouraged from using active transportation and thus incentivized to drive.

Adding red tape not only restricts progress but actively interferes with municipalities implementing the vital infrastructure their constituents need. Municipalities are not building bike lanes without careful consideration—these projects go through review processes to ensure they meet community needs and safety standards. The province should be supporting, not obstructing, these efforts to create safer, more inclusive transportation networks.