As a motorist, cyclist and…

As a motorist, cyclist and pedestrian in a large urban centre, I am strongly opposed to Bill 60. When I was a young woman, before I had my driver's licence, I cycled to school and to work. And I was hit by a driver in an accident that was not my fault (ruled by police). My injuries were serious and had lasting effects. But "at least" I wasn't killed. Had there been safe cycling infrastructure along the major roads I needed to travel, the accident -- which was costly to our medical system, legal system, and to all the commuters who were delayed that day -- would have been completely avoided. It has been shown repeatedly across the world that when cities build bike lanes, people use them.
Bill 60 won't help congestion. It will worsen traffic. Bike lanes are not a cause of gridlock. In fact, providing safe, reliable options that get people out of cars is the only thing that reduces traffic.
It won't help build local communities. It strips cities of local authority and decision-making, even when projects are supported by evidence and local residents. Why should the Province have that kind of say?
It will make roads more dangerous. Protected bike lanes prevent serious injuries and deaths for people biking, walking, and driving. I know this firsthand.
It threatens other uses of road space that communities rely on, including transit priority, safe crossings, patios, curbside access, and school streets.
It undermines climate goals and public health by locking cities into car-dependent street designs.
Bill 60 is a short-sighted measure that improves nothing for the province of Ontario. Do not pass it.