I disagree with the proposal…

I disagree with the proposal to require municipalities to seek provincial approval to build a new bike lane if it requires the removal of a vehicle lane and to require reporting on existing bike lanes on two main points. The first is that as a society, we need to be facilitating transportation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions not creating barriers for those alternatives. I am a driver and a cyclist and I accept that as we transition to roads and pathways that don't always prioritize cars, car trips may take a little longer. This is a sacrifice I'm willing to make as a driver to create safe and healthy transportation alternatives. The second is that I believe this is an overreach by the province into municipal decision-making. I live in Ottawa and don't want the Ontario government dictating decisions on city bike lanes that my municipal representatives are capable of making and have much more relevant local knowledge regarding.