Bike lanes do not delay…

Bike lanes do not delay emergency service vehicles

Bike lanes do not increase congestion, vehicles do: https://www.tvo.org/article/debunking-three-big-myths-about-bike-lanes https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2019/jul/03/ten-commo…

Putting bike lanes on side streets is counter-productive: https://www.tcat.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/BikeLanes_ParkingandBusi…

Why does the OPC party even both trying to maintain the veneer of being dedicated to consultation with municipalities and the public, when Doug Ford has already publicly unilaterally targeted three bike lanes for removal (see link below)? These bike lanes were implemented by Toronto's democratically elected municipal government after careful studies and pilot projects. They were also installed with city of Toronto tax dollars. Judging by other of Doug Ford's and his transportation minister's previous comments (see link below) one gets the reasonable impression that this legislation is being driven solely by the personal annoyances of Doug Ford and his cabinet experienced on their commute to Queen's Park in single occupant vehicles. This is outrageous. If Premier Ford has an issue with the bike lanes, perhaps he should run for municipal office instead, or better yet, write and voice his concern to his city councilor like the rest of Toronto's residents.

This bill also strips environmental safeguards to clear the way for the construction of Highway 413. Is this ridiculous bike lane legislation being put forward merely as a distraction from the construction of this equally controversial and hastily planned highway? Bike lane legislation should be tabled in a separate bill if this government is, in fact, serious about pursuing it.

Lastly, where is the Minister of "Red Tape Reduction"? The creation of such an absurd ministry is inherently ridiculous, but the hypocrisy of this government is nevertheless staggering in seeking to waste valuable provincial resources on what are squarely matters of municipal concern.