Hello, Reducing gridlock…

Hello,

Reducing gridlock cannot be achieved by penalizing cyclists. I cycle everyday. It is my primary form of transportation. I cycle to get to work, for leisure, errands, and exercise. Cyclists share the rights of motorists which should ensure that we, as cyclists, have access to safe and separate lanes to travel on. Cyclists contribute to reducing congestion by removing cars from the road. A majority of motorists are single occupant drivers as are a majority of cyclists, but the space that cyclists require to operate is significantly less than that required by a motorist.

Other provinces and municipalities in Canada are devoting resources to increasing bicycle-centric infrastructure. Why is Doug Ford trying to make it harder and more dangerous for cyclists to exist and operate? There are studies that indicate that introducing cycle-tracks and bike lanes reduce car-bike collisions by up to 2.57 times! This bill is not backed by data or statistics. It is an automotive and fossil fuel friendly deal that will contribute to increased congestion, emissions, demand for parking, and more dangerous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.

This bill is an over-reach of the provincial government's power. This bill is a regressive step in urban planning and climate policy. I DO NOT stand for this bill and the precedent that it sets for provincial over-reach in municipal affairs. This is a shameful move by Doug Ford's government. It will hinder the development of sustainable and accessible communities across Ontario.