I'm very upset with the Ford…

I'm very upset with the Ford government proposing to reduce bike lanes in favour of car lanes and force municipalities to apply for provincial approval before adding bikes lanes that would reduce car lanes!

Are we not in the midst of a climate change crisis? Climate change is wreaking havoc at an alarming rate and the government of Ontario is trying to take away the one thing that we as citizens can easily do to reduce our carbon emissions.

The government should be promoting bike lanes encouraging citizens to embrace active transportation as much as possible rather than discouraging it.

I'm frustrated with the lack of bike lanes in my community! I want to ride my bike to shop, get groceries, as well as for enjoyment and to build good health, but the lack of bike lanes is a deterrent. I do ride my bike instead of driving sometimes, in spite of the fact that friends tell me it's dangerous to ride where there aren't bike lanes, because I feel very strongly about reducing carbon emissions. I believe our governments should be supporting us in our individual efforts to make a difference, not discouraging us from doing our part!

I've had conversations with people who would ride bikes regularly instead of driving cars, especially retirees, but they fear for their safety. Cycling is good for your health and imagine the benefit of reduced health care costs due to healthier citizens!

More cyclists means less wear and tear on the roads. Also, if more people cycled to work there would be less gridlock. Due to our warmer climate, we have more days in the winter when we would be able to cycle instead of driving. Also with the increased availability of quality electric bicycles, it's easier for people of all ages and fitness levels to choose this environmentally friendly mode of transportation. In Europe many people cycle to work and are encouraged to do so.

I urge you to reconsider this misguided proposal of yours and support your citizens by encouraging more bike lanes, not discouraging them!