This comment is to express…

This comment is to express my opposition to Bill 60, the so-called Fighting Delays Build Faster Act, on the grounds of the impact this legislative change will have as well as its undemocratic character. In terms of impact, it seems to me that the Act is based on very poor research, reflecting the unsubstantiated assumption that poor traffic conditions are caused by providing people with the opportunity to use alternative modes of transportation safely (i.e., by providing them with designated bike lanes). In fact it is well known that traffic congestion in large cities like Toronto and the surrounding GTA is the result of poor planning, a lack of development oversight, and a lack of funding for public transit options. Removing bike lanes or prohibiting their construction will exacerbate rather than addressing these underlying these causes. Moreover, it is well established that designated bike lanes are needed for people to be able to commute safely using this mode of transportation; indeed, with higher numbers of vehicles on the roads (including transport trucks and other large vehicles), more aggressive and distracted driving, and more congestion overall, it is important that designated bike lanes are available for people to take this option for transportation. More people biking means fewer people on competing for space on the roads in large vehicles. A win-win situation. In terms of the process, I see Bill 60 as yet another example of overreach on the part of the provincial government vis-a-vis municipalities. Cities and towns are the best judges of their own needs and the best positioned for development and traffic planning. A top down governance approach, giving a minister at Queens Park the authority to override decisions made by local authorities, violates the principles of local governance and democratic citizenship. Finally, in terms of the environmental impact of this legislation, obviously any incentive to reduce emissions (in this case by encouraging cycling as a mode of transportation) should be welcomed and not shut down