MTO Draft Cycling Strategy

[Morning Glory Cycling Club]

Team,

 
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is currently seeking comments regarding an Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) Posting relating to the new Cycling Strategy that is intended to replace the Ministry’s older Bicycle Policy, which was released in 1992. 

 

The Strategy describes what the Ontario Government is currently doing to encourage cycling, as well outlining what the Ministry will do to further advance it. The Strategy aims to provide a policy framework that will: 

• Enhance cycling infrastructure in the province 
• Enhance cycling safety through education and legislation 
• Ensure relevancy through monitoring, researching and coordination

In addition to the internal work the Ministry has completed, the recommendations of the recently released Cycling Death Review from the Chief Coroner of Ontario have been considered, and a number of them have been incorporated into the Strategy. These include: 

• Providing the purchasers of bicycles with cycling safety information,
• Initiating consultations on legislative and/or regulatory changes regarding cycling on paved shoulders,
• Public education for drivers and cyclists, in collaboration with road safety organizations,
• Updating the Driver Handbooks to enhance the safety of all road users, including cyclists,
• Reviewing and updating the Highway Traffic Act to improve cycling safety, and
• Leading the identification of a province-wide cycling network

The Cycling Strategy is a 17 page document that can be found:

http://www.raqsa.mto.gov.on.ca/techpubs/eps.nsf/8cec129ccb70929b852572950068f16b/db68ce058968597d85257ac3005f6877/$FILE/Draft%20Cycling%20Strategy%20-%20FINAL%20CLEAN%20VERSION.pdf

 

and the posting for your comments on the EBR can be found:

http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTE3OTMx&statusId=MTc2NTA4

This proposal has been posted for a 60 day public review and comment period starting November 30, 2012. If you have any questions, or would like to submit your comments, please do so by January 29, 2013 to the individual listed under "Contact". Additionally, you may submit your comments on-line:

http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/searchComment.do?actionType=add&noticeId=MTE3OTMx&statusId=MTc2NTA4&noticeHeaderIdString=MTE3OTMx

All comments on this proposal must be directed to:

Michael DeRuyter
Policy Officer
Ministry of Transportation
Policy and Planning Division
Transportation Planning Branch
Environmental Policy Office
301 St. Paul Street
Floor 2
St. Catharines Ontario
L2R 7R4
Phone: (905) 704-2853

All comments received prior to January 29, 2013 will be considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry of Transportation if they are submitted in writing or electronically using the form provided in this notice and reference EBR Registry number 011-7552.

Supporting cycling is part of the McGuinty government's plan to enhance quality of life for Ontario families and ensure a strong, green economy for future.

Quick Facts

Between 1988 and 2009, cyclist fatalities were down 70 per cent and major injuries were down 64 per cent.
During the spring, summer and fall, about 630,000 Ontarians cycle on a daily basis.
About two million Ontarians ride a bike at least once a week during spring, summer and fall.

Quoted by the Minister:
" We need your input to ensure Ontario has the right strategy in place to support and encourage safe cycling in the province. We will continue consultations on a made-in-Ontario strategy so that our roads remain the safest in North America."
Bob Chiarelli Minister of Transportation

From Eleanor McMahon:
" An over-arching vision for safe cycling is a critical step forward for our province, and the Share the Road Cycling Coalition is pleased to see the government take this step. We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Chiarelli, officials in the Ministry of Transportation and indeed those across government to develop a robust strategy for Ontario. Public input is critical and we encourage all of our stakeholders across the province to participate in this important process."

The MGCC would like to thank Jody Wilson, VP of the Collingwood Cycling Club, and the MG's Sasha Gollish for all of the above information.

As a club of 400 members, it is vital that the MGCC has a say in the future of cycling in Ontario.  Please take the time to review the document and comment on it where you feel necessary.

 

Cheers,
MGCC