Ontario Investing $25 Million in Cycling Infrastructure
Province Supports Safe, Active Transportation
As part of Ontario's 20-year #CycleON strategy, the province is moving forward with a $25-million investment over three years to create a more cycling-friendly future for the province.
This includes $15 million for cycling routes that provide key connections and linkages on provincial highways, such as paved highway shoulders and barriers on bridges that separate cyclists from vehicles. Early proposals include:
- Highway 33 west of Kingston (part of the Waterfront Trail)
- Highway 137 structure over the 1000 Island Parkway (part of the Waterfront Trail)
- Highway 6 on Manitoulin Island and south of Highway 17 at Espanola (part of the Georgian Bay Cycling Route)
- Highway 17B and Highway 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and Espanola (part of the Lake Huron North Channel Cycling Route)
The province has also dedicated $10 million to the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program to help municipalities:
- Expand their local cycling routes
- Connect with provincial cycling routes
- Launch pilot projects to make cycling improvements
Consultations on the municipal program have concluded and the launch is on track for spring 2015. Work is also underway to identify a provincewide network of cycling routes in collaboration with a broad range of cycling stakeholders.
Investing in infrastructure is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts
- According to the National Trauma Registry, Ontario has the second-lowest cycling injury rate of all Canadian provinces.
- Ontario has enhanced the Driver’s Handbook to include information about sharing the road safely with cyclists.
- Ontario’s public education efforts to promote cycling safety include Cycling Skills, Young Cyclist’s Guide, a partnership with TVOKids targeting children and parents and support for stakeholders to deliver public education resources at the community, regional and provincial level.
- 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.
Additional Resources
Quotes
“We know that working with our partners is key to creating a more cycling-friendly Ontario. We’ll continue to engage municipalities, road users, businesses, advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations to make sure we get it right.”
Steven Del Duca
“Cycling helps to build more healthy, active and prosperous communities as it generates a wide range of health, economic, environmental, social and other benefits.”
Kathryn McGarry
“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with the province as we share the vision to make Ontario a premier cycling destination in Canada.”
Jamie Stuckless