News Release
Province Releases New Cycling Strategy
Ontario Government Committed to Safe, Sustainable Transportation
Ontario has released a new cycling strategy to promote safe cycling and encourage more people to ride their bikes to work, school and recreation destinations.
The strategy presents a 20-year vision that supports cycling by encouraging and promoting:
- Healthy, active and prosperous communities
- Improvements to cycling infrastructure
- Safer highways and streets
- Improved cycling awareness
- Tourism opportunities
The strategy reflects input from the public and expert advice from cycling stakeholders such as Share the Road Cycling Coalition, the Canadian Automobile Association and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. The government will release next steps to implement the strategy by spring 2014.
Supporting safe cycling and encouraging sustainable transit is part of the Ontario government's plan to help reduce congestion and strengthen communities and the economy.
Quick Facts
- A draft of the cycling strategy was posted online for public feedback from Nov. 30, 2012, until Jan. 29, 2013.
- In 2010, two million Canadian visitors spent $391 million while cycling in Ontario — an 18 per cent increase over the previous year.
- According to the Canadian Medical Association, a 10 per cent increase in physical activity could reduce direct health care expenditures by $150 million a year.
- Ontario has the second-lowest cycling injury rate of all Canadian provinces.
Quotes
CycleON is a strong and integrated, made-in-Ontario strategy. It has been developed with input from the public, cyclists and advocates. Our goal is to make Ontario the premier cycling province in Canada – a place that promotes safe and healthy travel alternatives connecting people to their jobs, schools, parks and places of interest right across the province.”
