I’m a driver and a cyclist…

I’m a driver and a cyclist who grew up in Toronto and I am concerned about the direction Bill 60 is taking.

It is unrealistic in a city that has been poorly planned for transit from the beginning to prohibit municipalities from choosing the best path forward to meet the needs of its residents. That could result in or could not result in the installation of safe infrastructure for biking at the expense of losing a lane of traffic. I’m okay with that. The reality is biking is often faster - faster than transit or driving, but it’s not safe - and safety for everyone should trump everything!.

I also have a problem with blaming bike lanes for the cause of traffic woes because this is absurd. Poor traffic flow occurs because of construction planned around every corner that seems to take eons to complete, lights are now at every city block and are not timed appropriately, not having designated right turn lights at every corner downtown when there’s a left advance just boggles my mind and a lack of efficient transit and transit only lanes - are bigger issues. Or the fact that it’s impossible to patrol and ticket drivers who stop/park illegally in traffic lanes - which frankly cause more issues to flow than the loss of a lane.

Bikers/bike lanes are not perfect - but it is an alternative for of transit that works, that more people are turning too, frees up time, is an healthier option (unless of course you get hit by a car!), and doesn’t pollute. I agree - bike lanes may not be appropriate everywhere they are requested or suggested - but that deserves to be debated and allowed to have public consultation and input; and this should be determined by the people who actually live/work/play in the city. The provincial government is overstepping its bounds and creating an environment that does not feel democratic. That scares me too. Bill 60 should not stand as is and should not be passed.