On Tuesday, October 4, 2016, MP Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) introduced a private Member’s bill to establish a National Cycling Strategy.
The goals of a national cycling strategy are:
- Commit the federal government to set clear targets for expanding cycling infrastructure;
- Encourage more Canadians to choose cycling as their mode of transportation;
- Improve national safety standard measures, such as side guard rails for trucks;
- Support the cycling industry in Canada;
- Increase education for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
- Bring all levels of governments together with cyclists and industry to build a plan that will encourage more Canadians ride bicycles.
- Encourage cycling tourism
How To Support This Bill
- Sign the online petition.
- Download, print and sign this paper petition. Circulate it in your neighbourhood, your community, among your friends and family. Once it’s filled out, mail it (postage free) to MP Gord Johns, House of Commons, Ottawa ON, K1A 0A1.
- Write to your MP in support of MP Gord Johns private Member’s bill, and urge your community members to do the same. See below for a list of Brampton’s MPs.
- Share this post on Facebook and Twitter.
Some Background
Many other OECD countries have already adopted cycling strategies and have seen a significant increase in cycling as a result. Canada lags behind in many cycling indicators, including the number of children who cycle to school which remains at 2%. Whereas in Germany, 15% of children cycle to school, and in the Netherlands 50% of children cycle to school.
What About Winter?
Cycling is possible in winter, with the right preparation.
Germany and the Netherlands are 2 examples of “winter countries”. Finland is another impressive example. While nationally, Finland enjoys a modest 11% cycling rate, the city of Oulu is something special. Located about 193 km from the Arctic Circle, Oulu has a 32% cycling rate in the summer, and retains an 12% cycling rate in winter. Several cities in Canada already encourage cycling in winter, including: Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.
Together, we can make Canada a cycling nation!