I am opposed to this bill,…

I am opposed to this bill, which prioritizes motor vehicle lanes over street improvements that rely on reallocating space. The bill is a gross overstep, stripping cities of local authority even when projects are supported by evidence and local residents. It undermines climate goals and public health by prioritizing car-dependent street designs. What's more, it will make roads more dangerous. Protected bike lanes prevent serious injuries and deaths for people biking, walking, and driving.

This bill prioritizes car lanes and will make it even harder for municipalities to diversify transportation options for people, meaning more people will continue to drive because they'll won't have satisfactory alternatives - and that will keep traffic on the roads, inconveniencing everyone.

I drive, take transit, and walk - and I want more convenient transportation options. I would bike if I felt the cycling network protected me and helped me get where I want safely. But I don't right now, because some of the bike routes near me stop abruptly and leave cyclists needing to navigate busy car lanes with cars often driving fast and unpredictably. With high quality cycling infrastructure, more people like me would choose to bike more often. And ultimately getting people to use alternative forms of transportation leaves more room on the road for people who choose to or need to drive. Unfortunately this bill would prevent that from happening.