I've lived in Toronto since…

I've lived in Toronto since I was born but have also lived and visited other cities. When I was a child, I was forever stuck in a car, waiting for traffic to move. In my teens I finally started biking and using the public transit system and it unlocked a whole new confidence and well-being to have that control. Now in my 30s, I still don't own a car. I take a 5 year old to and from school by public transit and she's gaining confidence on her bike. Walking, biking and taking the subway allows her that same confidence, independence and skill building that I didn't access until my teens. I feel safe taking her places because Toronto has changed since my childhood. Sidewalks are wider, bike lanes and bus priority lanes are present as are dedicated streetcar lanes. Prioritizing motor vehicle lanes above all else would give the province the power to strip that away. Patios for eating out, school streets, safer crosswalks. That is unacceptable. Her safety and independence should come first.