I am seriously concerned…

I am seriously concerned that this bill will negatively impact my family and my community in the following ways:
1) The bill adds red tape and bureaucracy by forcing municipalities to seek approval from the Minister for local projects. This will slow down the rollout of plans to improve traveller choice in cities & towns across the province.

2) The bill will decrease my choices; I consider bike lanes essential transportation infrastructure that help me get around. Bike lanes are as essential as sidewalks in keeping our cities & towns moving.

3) The bill seeks to maximize the number of cars on the road while undermining basic safety for other road users. Bike lanes provide a basic standard of safety for vulnerable road users.

4) The bill makes it harder for me when I'm driving my car. With a designated space for bikes I can feel comfortable knowing they are separated from automobile traffic.

5) The bill conflicts with plans to roll out transit improvements. Bike lanes make it easier for people to get to transit stations, reducing the need for parking (e.g. GO Transit carpool lots) and increasing the space for other uses such as transit-oriented housing developments.

6) Specifically in my city in York Region - the bill undermines the City's Active Transportation Master Plan, developed through years of public consultation. Traffic calming projects that are intended to improve safety for everyone - including car drivers - will likely be shut down by this bill's requirements to seek ministerial approval. This bill will keep the City from making the streets safer.

In summary, I believe this bill is deeply flawed and should not pass. Thank you for your time and attention.