From 2018-2023, the number of Brampton cycling trips increased 57% to 3.5 million annually.

At the same time, the distance cycled increased by 73% to 9.5 million kilometres annually.

The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) released their 2023 carbon emissions analysis on November 20, 2024, showing that Brampton shines with positive AT data compared to 2022. Brampton also compares very favourably to other communities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Brampton’s cycling trips up 22% and cycling distance up 17% last year!

Municipality % change 2023/2022	Cycling trips	Cycling distance	Walking trips	Walking distance
Brampton	+22%	+17%	+14%	+8%
Mississauga	-10%	-24%	+8%	-4%
Peel	same	-14%	+10%	+2%
GTHA	+4%	-2%	+7%	+1%

Since 2015, The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) has been looking annually at greenhouse gas emissions in the GTHA, to help levels of government develop policy for reaching the emission target. For the first time, they had access to data and trends at the municipal level. TAF Carbon Emissions Inventory Report 2023

TAF Report Highlights

• Unprecedented $7.7 Billion weather-related insured losses across Canada in 2024, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada
• GTHA carbon emissions up by 2% in 2023 (up 1 million tonnes)
• Third straight year of increases to pre-pandemic levels
• Meeting 2030 target now requires 11% average annual reductions — incremental approaches simply won’t be sufficient
• Largest absolute increase came from transportation, which is Brampton’s largest emission sector. (Buildings are the largest emitters in GTHA.)
• GTHA sustainable transportation rates increased (transit 28%, walking 7%, cycling 4%)
• Source: Brian Purcell, The Atmospheric Fund, November 20, 2024

What to do about it?

Data shows that when policies and programs are established and technologies are deployed, they work to drive down emissions. 2023 TAF Report webinar slide deck

TAF specifically cites active transportation is one such example for municipal priorities. A combination of safe infrastructure, programing and events provides the encouragement to promote an active transportation culture. AT increasingly becomes the norm for a year-round transportation choice.

• Bike the Creek event
• Community Rides
• Brampton Bike Hub – bike repair training, mentoring, group rides
• Bike valet at major events
• Electric Kick-style Scooter Pilot Program
• Bike Month / Bike to Work Day
• Bike Basics Training Program (Recreation Brochure)

Brampton Infrastructure

• Approximately 78.5 kilometres of the City’s cycling network has been installed since the ATMP was endorsed by Council in September 2018
• Trail Bike/Pedestrian Counters
• Cross-rides & PXOs (controlled pedestrian crosswalks)
• Bicycle Repair Stands
• AT green pavement markings

Brampton’s on the right path by using sustainable active transportation to lower our carbon emissions! Let’s stay the course and build a better future for the City.

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