I strongly disagree with the…

I strongly disagree with the proposal to force municipalities to seek provincial approval for new bike lanes on municipal roads requiring removal of a traffic lane and for existing ones, where a traffic lane was removed. This creates unnecessary red tape and redundancies, wasting taxpayer dollars. Municipalities are familiar with their cities’ traffic patterns and are aware of which roads are popular with cyclists. They should not have to seek provincial approval to try to improve road safety for their residents. What’s next, forcing municipalities to ask permission from the province to widen sidewalks?

If more people cycle, there will be less traffic on the roads. But people do not cycle in large enough numbers, because there are not enough safe, separated bike lanes to keep them from being killed by cars. As someone who both drives and rides a bicycle, I support measures to keep cyclists safe and separated.

As the climate crisis worsens, governments should be working on ways to encourage citizens to reduce emissions. They should be making it easier for people to walk, cycle, or take transit, instead of driving everywhere.

The assertion that this legislation will result in reduced traffic and gridlock is naive. The best way to reduce gridlock is to offer convenient, safe, and affordable alternatives to driving. Efficient public transit helps, and so do separated bike lanes!