Respectfully, this bill is…

Respectfully, this bill is very much a step backwards in the grand scheme of making Ontario a better place to travel. Inducing more citizens to be reliant on the automobile to get around for daily trips is not going to save everyone time and money. This is clearly a bill that is attempting to stoke a cultural divide that the premier is passionate about.

As someone who bikes everyday and regularly uses bike lanes in Ottawa where they are available, I have first hand knowledge that bike lanes increase the safety for all people. Everyday I see elderly using the bike lanes, I see families, I see children, and I see many commuters using the bike lanes to get to work while not contributing to the gridlock. Would this government rather have children cycle in the middle of the street in a car lane? In fact, removing bike lanes will create a situation that is worse for drivers as people that choose to still cycle will have to take up an entire car lane rather than being separated to allow vehicles to safely pass. Bike lanes help keep traffic following and are better for everyone.

If this government were serious about any policies they would focus on the more problematic issues such as healthcare and education. In fact, I currently do not have a family doctor and would appreciate if the provincial government were more focused on resolving real issues. I was considering voting for this government in the next election but will not if this bill stays. You were elected on reducing red tape and increasing efficiency but this bill seems to directly go against that. Do the right thing, admit the mistake and scrap this very problematic bill.