Greens would get people moving with $2.18 billion for cycling and walking

GUELPH, ON — On Bike To Work Day in Guelph, Mike Schreiner announced the Green plan to make a real investment in safe streets for active transportation by dedicating 5% of the transportation budget to cycling and walking infrastructure, a total of $2.18 billion over four years.

“I think Ontarians would be surprised to learn that 0% of our transportation budget goes towards people-powered ways of getting around. If our goal is to make it easier for people to choose healthier, lower carbon options for their commutes, we need to dedicate permanent, long-term funding for this,” said the Green Party Leader. Schreiner, a regular cyclist, joined a group biking from Franchetto Park to City Hall today as part of Bike to Work Day in Guelph.

More and more people are choosing to walk or cycle. The problem is that infrastructure was built around the car culture to the exclusion of other options. The Green plan will provide municipalities with infrastructure funds to make streets safer for all users, including wheeled mobility devices and other accessibility needs.

Greens will also require all new and resurfaced highways to have paved shoulders for safe cycling and establish commuter cycling networks across Ontario. We would also look at improvements to GO stations to provide more convenient pedestrian access and cycling facilities.

“We need a transportation strategy focused on moving people, not just cars and trains. I talk to so many people who want to bike to work, but are concerned about safety. If we can start fixing this, we’ll have a healthier population, connected communities, more affordable transportation options, and cleaner air,” said Schreiner.

Photo: ​Mike Schreiner, with the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation on Bike to Work Day, May 28 2018