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September 2, 2001. We have reason to believe that the Cycling Network Program, a
provincial funding source which has helped many municipalities in the Victoria area to
provide cycling infrastructure in recent years, will be targeted under the new
Government's core review process. The GVCC has written a letter to the Minister of
Transportation in support of the Cycling Network Program. Here is the complete letter.
Hon. Judith Reid,
Minister of Transportation
Legislative Buildings
Victoria, BC
V8V 1X4
Dear Minister:
Re: Cycling Network Program and the Core Review
I am writing in support of the Cycling Network Program (CNP) administered by the
Ministry of Transportation.
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition (GVCC) represents nearly 800 cyclists in the
capital region, 10% of the 8,000 people in the region who cycle to work every day, a
significant share of our daily traffic.
The CNP has contributed significantly to the development and expansion of bicycle
infrastructure across British Columbia and has been particularly welcome in the capital
region. At its current budget of $2 million a year, this program represents a bargain
for the province as a preventive health measure as well as a positive contribution to
improved air quality. The CNP also supports freedom of choice in transportation options
and is helping to reduce congestion in communities across British Columbia. It is worth
noting that cycling infrastructure can accommodate many commuters at a fraction of the
cost of building roads and highways. Our experience and many surveys show that the
provision of infrastructure supporting cycling is very effective at encouraging more
people to choose cycling as a means of transportation.
In Victoria, for example, the Galloping Goose regional trail system carries as many as
4,500 people a day, most of them commuter cyclists. Much of this facility has been
developed supported by CNP and Highways funding. Key infrastructure throughout this
project could not have been completed without this investment.
More importantly, requirements to meet provincial standards in order to qualify for CNP
funding has ensured that the design and construction of this and many other cycling
infrastructure projects has been done to consistent and appropriate standards to ensure
the safety of cyclists across the province.
CNP money has helped to provide important cycling facilities in every constituency in
the capital region; facilities that provide for many in our community who choose
cycling for transportation. Those facilities have been embraced by an enthusiastic
community, who appreciate their value.
Much work can still be done to expand and improve the cycling infrastructure necessary
to better support those who choose to cycle. Local and regional governments cannot and
should not be relied upon to deliver those facilities alone. Provincial funding and
oversight ensures appropriate standards and continuity of facilities are built into
every project and has been an important catalyst motivating local governments to
provide for cyclists. It parallels similar programs in many U.S. jurisdictions.
The provision of these cycling facilities is a competitive advantage to our community
in attracting the young and active workforce we need to sustain our growth in the high
tech industry. Our cycling infrastructure is also proving to be an asset to a tourism
industry that is very important to the economy of the capital region.
The experience in Greater Victoria is shared elsewhere in the province. The growth in
cycling here is unparalleled. Victoria is the "Cycling Capital of Canada" where at
least 5% of the population commute to work by bicycle, more than twice the modal share
enjoyed by the next closest city, Ottawa, where just 2.1% cycle to work. We also have
recently been identified as the "fittest city in Canada". I believe this is partly
attributable to the level to which cycling has permeated our transportation
culture.
These facts represent a positive cost savings to the province in reduced pressures on a
health care system that deals with too many of the consequences of inactivity. The
expansion of inexpensive infrastructure to support the choice for cycling also helps to
reduce the pressure to build much more expensive infrastructure to support those who
choose to drive.
We expect that as a result of your core review of programs and services you will find
that the Cycling Network Program is well worth the modest investment of public funds it
represents and look forward to a continued, if not expanded commitment to this
important initiative.
Sincerely,
John Luton, President
Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition
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