As both a driver and cyclist…

As both a driver and cyclist, I am concerned with the proposed approach to dealing with local transportation options presented in this bill.

When I drive, I want cyclists to be out of my way. When I cycle, I want to be protected from drivers. Separated bike lanes accomplish both of these goals, while still making it possible for cyclists to access the places they need to be. Moving bike lanes to secondary streets often makes them impractical for cycling.

Additionally, I am concerned with the province limiting the options of municipalities for managing transportation. I live in a small town of under 15,000 people, and I realize that the provincial government cannot have local knowledge of how a bike lane can hurt or help my town. Likewise, I believe other cities also have more information about which transportation options will work best for them.

Additionally, I have concerns about the other contents of the bill, including the changes to environmental assessments and property ownership rights.

With all of this in mind, I am strongly opposed to this bill.