Thank you for your time. I…

Thank you for your time. I do not agree with this proposed Act because I believe it is the wrong approach for reducing congestion and improving safety in the city. As Toronto grows, what we need is a stronger public transit system and more protections for cyclists, not more space for cars, and not more highways that devastate our green spaces. The sensible solution to congestion is more affordable, more available, and more widespread public transit. Taking away bike lanes will not reduce the amount of bike traffic downtown; it will simply make it more dangerous to bike. No bike lanes means more cyclist injuries and fatalities: some of the exact accidents that cause lane closures. Frankly, it is rather insulting that this Act prioritizes car owners at the expense of cyclists, walkers, and wheelchair users. It is also insulting, and inefficient, that municipalities would be required to seek provincial approval for new bike lanes. Municipalities should not have to seek approval for such projects that are well within municipal jurisdiction, contribute to public safety, and provide environmentally-friendly alternatives to car usage. On that note, the exemption of authorities involved in bike lane removal from the Environmental Assessment Act runs counter to what should be a main priorities for our provincial government: protecting our fragile urban green spaces and waterways.