July 08, 2015 – Applications are now open for the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program and the Cycling Training Fund – two programs designed to help encourage cycling across the province.
Ontario has a 20-year #CycleON strategy to promote cycling as a viable mode of transportation, improve cyclist safety and help make Ontario a premier cycling destination. As part of this strategy, $10 million will be made available through the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program to help municipalities build new or improve cycling infrastructure, such as signed bicycle routes with paved shoulders, separated bicycle lanes with physical barriers, bicycle-only or multi-use paths, and bicycle traffic control devices.
Expressions of interest are open until August 6, 2015.
As part of Ontario’s Promotion, Celebration and Legacy Strategy for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, $380,000 will also be made available to municipalities, non-profits, businesses, schools and school boards for the Cycling Training Fund to develop, enhance and deliver cycling skills training programs.
Applications are open until September 4, 2015.
Ensuring Ontario’s roads and highways are safe is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUOTES
” We know that cycling generates a broad range of economic, environmental, health, social and other benefits which helps build healthy, more active and prosperous communities. I look forward to seeing the benefits of our significant investment as, together with our municipal and community partners, we create a more cycling-friendly Ontario.” – Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
” These funding programs respond to requests from passionate and dedicated cycling advocates, municipalities, community-based organizations and other road safety stakeholders and is part of our commitment to make Ontario a leading North American cycling destination. ” – Kathryn McGarry, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation
” The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games are helping us build lasting legacies in so many areas and the new Cycling Training Fund is a great example. Cycling offers such a fun, healthy way to explore our province and I’m proud of our government’s ongoing commitment to making it safe and accessible for Ontarians of all ages and abilities. ” – Michael Coteau, Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan and Parapan Am Games
QUICK FACTS
o The province will invest $25 million in #CycleON: Ontario’s Cycling Strategy to encourage the growth of cycling and improve safety for cyclists across the province.
o Ontario has enhanced the Driver’s Handbook to include information about sharing the road safely with cyclists.
o According to the National Trauma Registry, Ontario has the second-lowest cycling injury rate of all Canadian provinces.
o The Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act will enable increased fines and demerits for drivers who ‘door’ cyclists, and require all drivers to maintain a minimum distance of one metre when passing cyclists where possible.
o The Canadian Medical Association advises that a 10 per cent increase in physical activity could reduce direct health-care expenditures by $150 million a year.
LEARN MORE
o How to Apply to the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program
o How to Apply to the Cycling Training Fund