This proposal’s Red Tape…

This proposal’s Red Tape entanglement will completely strangle small businesses dependent on bike delivery

As a small business owner, businesses are heavily reliant on delivery services by bicycle. Small businesses owners across Ontario urge you to not pass this flawed proposal for many reasons outlined here. Primarily this is counter to Red Tape reduction which the Ontario government has been strongly committed to reducing. There are other means for the province to provide policy guidance on traffic congestion without adding 4 new layers of red tape.

There are so many urgent matters across the province that negatively impact all Ontario businesses, cities and towns which need provincial attention, such as inflation, social and housing issues, homelessness and tent encampments. Turn your mind to these matters which are in a crisis instead of fighting with local governments about bike lanes.

This proposal would create 4 new layers of unnecessary red tape, including new legal, regulatory, policy and submission approval.

Instead the province can provide best practice guidance and funding for the following to improve traffic flow in our towns and cities, without the heavy handed red tape entanglement being proposed
- Move on street parking to parking lots
- Significantly reduce regular lane closures on main streets during construction of buildings with criteria for building design and construction in a manner that keeps lanes open.
- Improve transit services
- Maintain bike lanes for customers, commuters and delivery

Also, the proposed changes to the Highway Traffic Act are inconsistent with MTO’s Environmental Bill of Rights Environmental Statement:

“The Ministry is focused on delivering the following specific priorities:
* Increasing transit ridership.
* Promoting a multi-modal transportation network, including active transportation, that supports the efficient movement of goods and people…”

Let local governments deal with bike lanes. The province can provide guidance without 4 new layers of not red tape entanglement and wasteful distraction of provincial and municipal resources.

As mentioned earlier, there are so many issues that need immediate provincial action, such as the economy, housing, and social and health services