Chatham-Kent getting $755,203 for cycling infrastructure

Chatham-Kent is set is set to benefit from a major new investment from the province, aimed at making cycling safer and more convenient.

Provincial officials say Ontario is doubling its investment in local cycling to build bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure in towns and cities across the province.

This investment is part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by proceeds from the province’s cap on pollution and carbon market.

A total of $755,203 will be coming Chatham-Kent’s way.

Reports say the funding will be split between three projects:

– $292,000 towards bike lanes on Victoria Avenue in Chatham

– $300,000 towards a multi-use pathway on Bloomfield Road

– $159,000 for the Round the River Recreational Trail

Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation, and Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, were in Toronto recently where they were joined by Cristina Martins, MPP for Davenport and Ana Bailão, Deputy Mayor for Toronto and East York to announce the recipients of the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program–and an increase in the program’s funding.

“Cycling is a convenient and sustainable way to get around and that is why we are committed to building more cycling infrastructure to make it easier for people to bike,” stated Del Duca in a press release.

“Our government looks forward to continue working with our partners and the cycling community to ensure we create a safe and integrated cycling network.”

Provincial officials say active transportation is a critical part of the transportation system, and across Ontario, 120 municipalities from Essex County to Thunder Bay will receive funding from the province to build more bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure, or enhance existing infrastructure.

“Cycling keeps our communities healthy, active and well connected,” McMahon said in a press release.

“We want to ensure that people across Ontario have the infrastructure they need to keep cycling safe, accessible and easy for all. The benefits to jumping on a bike are endless – it can be a wonderful way to explore our cities and a healthy method to get those much-needed errands done. Through the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program, we’re building on the vision to create cycling-friendly roads that municipalities want and deserve.”

More details:

– The province is investing $93 million this year, more than doubling the initial $42.5 million announced earlier this year. Toronto is receiving $25.6 million.

– All Ontario municipalities will have additional opportunities to apply for and benefit from the 4-year program.

– The Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program builds on Ontario’s Cycling Tourism Plan: Tour by Bike and the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program, helping 37 municipalities across the province build or improve cycling infrastructure. About 1.5 million people in Ontario hop on their bikes at least once a week during the spring, summer and fall, and many cycle year-round.

– A 2016 survey found that over three quarters of Bike Share members felt that their riding behaviour has increased as a result of using Bike share.

– The Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program is a commitment under Ontario’s five-year Climate Change Action Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 15 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, 37 per cent by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2050.

– #CycleON: Ontario’s Cycling Strategy was announced in 2013 to promote safe cycling and encourage more people to ride their bikes to work, school and for recreation.