IN MY OPINION
Every person who walks or cycles instead of driving leaves parking spots available, helps to hold down the price of gasoline, leaves money in P.E.I. instead of sending it to oil-rich places such as Venezuela, and reduces the cost of health care in P.E.I. For every citizen, Active Transportation is a winning municipal formula.
With municipal elections approaching, this is a good time to reflect on local progress in what has become international change, namely the creation of friendlier towns and cities for pedestrians and cyclists. Global climate change, increasing costs for fossil fuels, and lack of exercise within our society are real concerns.
Developing bicycle-friendly infrastructure draws tourism dollars and has the potential to substantially lower health costs. How have we done in Charlottetown during the past four years? We know that Toronto (yes, even Ford’s Toronto), Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Vancouver and most small-to-mid-sized Canadian cities are developing safe bicycle routes.
Four years ago, ‘share the road’ signs were just beginning to make their appearance in Charlottetown. Now they are common. Today, there are many kilometres of clearly marked bike lanes. The Patterson Drive, Acadian Drive, Riverside Drive and city portions of the Confederation Trail multi-use paths are maintained for year-round use. (In case you are not aware, it’s possible to purchase studded snow tires and cold weather clothing for cycling in the winter.)
Public Works has invested in a second road-painting vehicle and crew to take care of bicycle lanes. Parks and Recreation has partnered with Cycling Prince Edward Island to develop mountain bike recreational trails in East Royalty (at the Roberston Drive parking lot next to the soccer pitches). The ‘closed’ paved lane in Victoria Park continues to be used heavily by cyclists, roller bladers and pedestrians. Yes, we are making progress.
The work is not complete. Cycling routes to schools and in the downtown are not yet being actively discussed. We have a scattering of bike lanes that remain largely unconnected outside of Sherwood. To be fair, cycling infrastructure is built one road at a time. We’re a lot better off than we were four years ago. In 2012 Cycling P.E.I. named Terry Bernard, city councillor and chair of Public Works, Builder of the Year in recognition of his efforts to improving cycling opportunities within Charlottetown.
Mr. Bernard cannot do this alone, nor should he be expected to. I look forward to hearing more from all of the candidates about ways to improve Active Transportation in Charlottetown. For citizens with no interest in walking or riding a bicycle, there is equal reason to want well developed AT facilities.
Every person who walks or cycles instead of driving leaves parking spots available, helps to hold down the price of gasoline, leaves money in P.E.I. instead of sending it to oil-rich places such as Venezuela, and reduces the cost of health care in P.E.I. For every citizen, Active Transportation is a winning municipal formula. Cities all over the world and across Canada are on the wave; it’s time we took the same ride.
David Sims is president, Cycling P.E.I.