I am opposed to this…

I am opposed to this legislation for the following reasons:
1) Municipalities are better suited to determine what is the best mix of cycling and vehicular infrastructure. They know the local requirements better than a politician sitting at Queen's Park. They will base it on science and data as opposed to the Minister of Transportation influenced by the feeling of a vocal few. The province should treat municipalities as adults instead of children.
2) Removing cycling lanes to add a car lane will not decrease congestion. It will most likely increase it due to induced demand (see first 2 links). Conversely removing a car lane to put in a cycling lane will most likely reduce congestion as it will encourage some to ride (especially if the cycling lane is segregated from the car lane) in instead of driving. Others may choose public transit.
3) The suggest that there will side streets to put in a cycling lane does not always work. Bloor Street West in Toronto is a prime example. There for one thing there is the 401 and a river that will prevent this. See third link.
4) Removing an existing cycling will increase injuries and fatalities. Avid cyclists will still use the street that had a lane, but now have to take the lane, slowing cars behind them, frustrating them and some will a make close path putting the cyclist or the opposing traffic in danger. I have experienced this first hand!

So in conclusion I encourage the Ontario Government to with this legislation and keep people safe and moving when navigating our city streets.