I submit this comment as a…

I submit this comment as a Toronto road user who routinely both drives and cycles on the streets of Toronto.

This proposal is an absurd overreach of provincial authority into municipal jurisdiction. Municipalities, not the province, are best suited to determine the needs for bicycle lanes within their jurisdiction. This extension of provincial oversight into municipal matters is nothing more than a heavy-handed power grab intended to appease a small number of voters.

Furthermore, it will be counterproductive. Bicycles are entitled to use provincial highways, per the highway traffic act. Removing bicycle lanes where provided will require cyclists to use the highway lane they are entitled to use. There is thus no net benefit to removing these bicycle lanes, as traffic in that lane will be limited to speed of the bicycle.

Finally, this proposal will almost certainly cost lives, as motorists will continue to drive with a level of arrogance and entitlement that does not respect non-motorist road users. People will die, mostly cyclists, and probably also some pedestrians. Their blood will be on this government’s hands.