I am against Bill 60…

I am against Bill 60 proposal.

The government’s plan of implementing the “Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act” is not representational of the community that I know - a safe community for all that includes designating protected bike lanes on roads. The Doug Ford and Prabmeet Sarkaria approach is un-democratic.

I have read studies that show that bike lanes saves lives. I have lost friends who died because of the lack of safe bike infrastructures on the roads. I myself have often encountered drivers come so close to me while I ride my bike that my life is endangered. I am safer when I am on a protected bike lane. I enjoy riding my bike for work and to complete my errands in my community. I am a cyclist who will continue to cycle. Cyclists will continue to co-exist with other modes of transportation.

Toronto has made great gains with more bike lanes and well-attended community gatherings favour safer roads that include having bike lanes for cyclists. As I am also seeing many new residential developments are installing more bike parking than vehicle parking, it would only make sense that bike lanes should be prioritized to meet the demands that will grow, not be suppressed or delayed. The more connected the bike lane grids across the city, the more cyclists will emerge, and feel more comfortable riding longer distances, contributing positively to the community and actions against climate change. Not only will cyclists be reducing vehicular congestion, but we are also eliminating air pollution that traffic and congestion causes. Studies I have read show that bike lanes do not cause traffic congestion, vehicles do.

To be prohibiting vehicle lane reduction for much needed new bicycle lanes is ignoring the safety concerns of people wishing to use alternative means of transportation. Cyclists are more vulnerable and need to be protected from vehicles. Protected and designated space for cyclists provide a clear division on the road to minimize confusion and reduce frustration from drivers coming too close to a cyclist or causing slowdowns to pass a cyclist. I witness firsthand how a bike lane separate from the vehicular road lane keeps all traffic flowing.

I ask that Doug Ford and Prabmeet Sarkaria leave the municipalities to continue the democratic processes in developing our neighbourhood with the advances in the planned and any future bike lane infrastructure that builds our community, promotes safety, reduces congestion, and contributes to the city’s net zero and climate action plans. Our city mayor and councillors know us best through their hard work setting up regular Town Halls. Doug Ford and Prabmeet Sarkaria are going about this the wrong way. I ask that the Ford government focus on listening to ALL Ontario residents, and make decisions backed by studies that best support ALL Ontario residents, not only those who drive!