On Tuesday, MP Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) introduced a bill to establish a National Cycling Strategy in Canada which focuses on cycling friendly infrastructure, safety standards and education.
“We need to do more to make Canada a cycling nation,” said Johns who has biked to work on Parliament Hill every day since being elected. “It’s time for a national plan to get more Canadians using this low cost, environmentally friendly, and healthy mode of transportation.”
A National Cycling Strategy will commit the federal government to setting clear targets for the expansion of cycling friendly infrastructure. Additionally, it will encourage more Canadians to choose cycling as a mode of transportation and support enhanced national safety measures.
“Safety measures like mandatory side guards will save lives and encourage more Canadians to ride bicycles,” added Johns. “We also need to increase awareness and education for motorists and cyclists as they share the road.”
Cycling advocates support the NDP push for a national strategy that would see the federal government work with provinces, municipalities, relevant cycling and motorist groups, and industry partners to increase all types of cycling across Canada.
— NEWS Staff/MP Gord Johns’ office