To whom it may concern: Oh…

Commentaire

To whom it may concern:

Oh boy. This is a really power-centric bill. There is NO GOOD reason to get this bill passed. The provincial government needs to let the municipalities decide their future … not the provincial government!!

This is a bill that pulls rank and is an example of PROVINCIAL OVERREACH over municipalities that have spent time, energy, money to plan their cities/towns. There has also been lots of input from residents in the areas for these bike lanes. There has been money spent on consultants. What makes the provincial government know what constituents want in these towns and cities? At present, municipalities have the authority to design and install bicycle lanes on roads under their jurisdiction based on their OWN priorities and transportation context. This bill is provincial overreach into municipal decision-making. This is a very ill-advised bill. How bout something that gets transit built on time and within budget? Why are we spending money to get a bill to undo what is done? Municipalities have not budgeted for this, and even if the province picks up the tab, ripping out functional transportation infrastructure is not fiscally responsible. My goodness you know how to waste time and money!!! How bout spending time on pressing issues with climate change … more efficient, green transit instead of highways like the 413. We need to move away from car-centric plans and elevate and change our habits … like better transit and more bikes on the roads. Cars cause congestion and are polluters … not bikes.

Bikes …

Bike lanes are an incredibly efficient way of moving people and are able to move many more people per hour than a lane focused primary on moving motor vehicles. Bike lanes help to provide transportation choice, which helps to reduce the overall number of motor vehicles on the road. Just as highways result in more car trips, bike lanes increase cycling trips. Bike lanes save lives, and help to make our roads safer for everyone, including people in motor vehicles. Bikes are better for our health with fresh air and exercise … reducing the risk of chronic disease, reducing stress, and improving mental health.

So please … keep your hands off our roads/bike lanes. My husband and I have sat and spent time with others giving input to look at traffic patterns … making sure traffic flow is not affected … but by making cyclists safe … not sure the provincial government would do any of this .. and its being done by the municipalities. YOU DO NOT NEED to proceed with this bill … spend time on issues that are going to make a difference and are under the umbrella of the provincial government.

Thank you for listening.