May 30, 2006 (Toronto, Ontario) — The Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) is voicing its support and appreciation for the Government of Canada’s decision to reject the Canadian International Trade Tribunal’s (CITT) recommendation for 30% surtax on imported bicycles. “This is absolutely the right call for the Canadian cyclist”, states Paul Nielsen, President of BTAC adding, “It is gratifying to us that the most senior public policy makers in Canada recognize that lower taxes are the key to promoting cycling and fostering economic development in the Canadian bicycle sector.”

Had the CITT recommendation for a 30% bicycle surtax been implemented the effect would have been to increase the cost of import bicycles at price-points between CDN $400-$700 — a market segment comprised of commuter bicycles and high quality entry level bicycles used by youths. The proposed 30% surtax would have been applied in addition to two existing protections – a 13% customs tariff that is applied to every bicycle imported into Canada irrespective of origin and special antidumping duties ranging from 5-50% that have been imposed on bicycles from Taiwan and China for well over a decade.

“This is great news for me and my employees and a fantastic way to launch Bicycling Week in Toronto”, states Pete Lilly of Sweet Pete’s CyclePath in Toronto, Ontario adding, “Yesterday Toronto experienced a wildcat transit strike which caused its roads to congest as temperatures rose to over 30C. It really made a point about the need to reduce inner city traffic congestion, smog and greenhouses gases on an ongoing basis. Imagine the benefits of complementing public transit by finding a way to replace just two out of every ten cars with bicycles during the summer months. Keeping bicycles affordable is certainly a very good start.”

The decision to reject the CITT recommendation for a 30% surtax on imported bicycles is a second “bicycle friendly” announcement by the Government of Canada and follows a federal budget commitment to earmark $900M is surpluses for the Public Transit Capital Trust which includes monies to support bicycle transportation.

About the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada

BTAC is a national trade association whose mission is to create consumer awareness by promoting cycling in Canada through alliances and partnerships. A wide spectrum of leading manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers of cycling equipment and services make up BTAC’s membership. Programs include, market research, member cost saving benefits and initiatives to grow participation in cycling activities and promote healthier lifestyles. BTAC is the producer of the Canada’s bike tradeshow, ExpoCycle. The 2006 event will be held in Montreal, Quebec.

For further information, please contact:

Janet O’Connell
Executive Director
Bicycle Trade Association of Canada
Tel: 905-853-5031
joconnell@btac.org
www.btac.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Karl Eichner 
Communications Consultant  
Eichner & Associates
Tel: 416-447-2265
keichner@ca.inter.net