Increase funding for cycling and pedestrian Safety, education and Promotion Programs
 
The Toronto Bike Plan – 3 Year Implementation Strategy report showed that many of the cycling safety, education and promotion programs were not being implemented due to a lack of staff. It stated that the budget for these programs has been frozen at $150,000 since 2001. This meager budget has to pay for both staff and resources and it is not enough for a serious education campaign. The report stated that in order to get this portion of the Bike Plan on track it would take a doubling of staff. Because of a lack of resources many cycling safety and education programs recommended in the Bike Plan have been stalled.
 
Over the last three years Toronto City Council has consistently refused to approve more money in the Planning Division budget for more staff to develop and deliver cycling safety and education programs.
 
The lack of funding has lead to a decrease in the programming that the City can provide.   The 3 year implementation strategy stated that these budgets have been eroded by 30% due to inflation.   The impact can be seen in programs such as the Cycling Ambassadors whose numbers have been cut from 20 in 2000 down to only 6 in 2006.  
 
Toronto CAT calls on the next Council to:
  1. 10.Double Staffing for Cycling and Pedestrian Safety Education and Promotion programs offered by the City of Toronto to allow the following programs to be offered.
  2. •Walk and Bike to School program
  3. •Sidewalk cycling countermeasure program.
  4. •School based active transportation education programs
  5. •Cycling Ambassadors
  6. •Bike User Group Program
 
 
 
Promote