The Active Communities Pledge is an initiative of Share the Road Cycling Coalition to encourage voters and candidates to be champions for cycling and active transportation in the upcoming October 6 provincial election.
When people bike more, they get healthier and that means that obesity, diabetes and overall healthcare costs go down. Cycling and active transportation – such as walking, running and in-line skating also fights traffic congestion and carbon emissions. And we all benefit by having more active, healthier and safer communities.
Waterloo, Mississauga and Ottawa – along with many other towns and cities across Ontario – are already taking action to promote cycling and active transportation. These municipalities are making it easier for cyclists and motorists to share the road by paving highway shoulders, putting up signs, and building dedicated bike lanes. They're also encouraging tourism with new cycling trails through the countryside, building Ontario's economy and creating good local jobs.
We invite you to be a champion for active transportation by taking the Active Communities Pledge!
(Note: you will have the opportunity to review the whole pledge before you sign on)
How are we doing?
Candidates
55
Voters
1809
In a 2009 survey for Share the Road, 73% of the municipal transportation and planning experts asked said that the provincial government should do more to support active transportation in Ontario. Ontario still has:
- No provincial cycle tourism promotions
- No job creation plan linked to the business of bicycles
- No taxation or financing arrangements to support bike/active transportation infrastructure in local municipalities
The same 2009 survey also found that better bike infrastructure is the number one way way to encourage more Ontarians to ride a bike.
That's why cycling infrastructure investments must be a concern for all candidates running in this fall's Ontario election – and for every voter as well.
