Good day. I am writing to…

Good day.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Bill 212 that aims to reduce bike lanes and centralize control over cycling infrastructure development, taking this authority away from municipalities.

As a concerned citizen and advocate for sustainable urban planning, I believe this bill would be detrimental to our communities for several reasons:

- Safety Concerns: Reducing bike lanes will compromise the safety of cyclists, potentially leading to an increase in accidents and fatalities. Dedicated cycling infrastructure is crucial for protecting vulnerable road users.

- Environmental Impact: Discouraging cycling by removing safe infrastructure goes against our climate goals. Bicycles are an eco-friendly mode of transportation that helps reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.

- Public Health: Cycling promotes physical activity and improved public health. Removing bike lanes may discourage people from choosing this healthy transportation option.

- Local Expertise: Municipalities have a better understanding of their specific local needs and challenges. Centralizing control may lead to one-size-fits-all solutions that don't address unique local circumstances.

- Economic Benefits: Bike-friendly cities often see increased foot traffic to local businesses and improved property values. Removing cycling infrastructure could negatively impact local economies.

- Traffic Congestion: Well-planned cycling networks can help alleviate traffic congestion by providing alternatives to car use, especially for short trips.

- Community Engagement: Local cycling initiatives often involve significant community input and engagement. Centralizing control may reduce opportunities for citizen participation in urban planning.

I urge you to reconsider this bill and instead focus on policies that support and expand safe cycling infrastructure. We should be empowering municipalities to create more bike-friendly cities, not hindering their efforts.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.