"there is too much traffic on the roads and that helping that with flow will only increase traffic on the roads"
If only your 'expert' friend could persuade his employers(?) (and everyone else) that this is true.
It would help if Govs didn't keep giving into the 'there is a demand, so we must build more roads' nonsense.
Fortunately (generally) there is much less scope for more/bigger roads in urban areas.
So more 'understanding' that there are too many vehicles trying to move (or clogging up the sides of the road), choose to be part of the problem - or not.
There's not much chance of 'buying' a way out of the problem - and generally those causing the problem are unwilling to pay for solutions.
Segregated cycle infrastructure (well designed/in right place) is actually part of the solution. So far there is the political will to do it.
After May, who knows?
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