This is a ridiculous premise…

This is a ridiculous premise for provincial legislation. Three reasons:

1. I pay property taxes to a municipal government that is elected to make infrastructure decisions that make sense for my community. A one-size fits all approach authored in Queen's Park does not reflect the needs of my city and should not take precedence over the knowledge of local officials.

2. Bike lanes make driving safer and faster. I used to commute to and from work by car every day along a busy stretch of four lane road with a 60km/h speed limit. When cyclists rode alongside traffic, it made all the drivers nervous, slowed traffic significantly, and increased the risk of accident and death. I couldn't blame cyclists for using that thoroughfare, they were there for the same reason that I was - it was the fastest way to get through that part of the city. Bike lanes solve this problem and keep traffic moving.

3. Since becoming a parent, I've done more cycling in my community. I used to feel boxed in by the major roads that surround my neighbourhood. The introduction of separated bike lanes has made it possible for me to cycle safely on those roads with my child in tow. I would never take that risk without the separated lanes. This infrastructure has helped my family to get more exercise during the summer months, and has improved the parking situation at our local farmers' market, because families like ours can bike to and from doing groceries.

How about you stop posturing and solve real problems that Ontarians face, like our crumbling health care system, our under-funded schools, or our lack of inter-region public transit options?