I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my support for the inclusion of Mississippi Mills and Carleton Place in the proposed province-wide cycling route. As a long-time resident and business owner in the area, I have seen a significant increase in awareness and involvement in active transportation in general and cycling specifically. These advances can be traced to development of active transportation infrastructure locally and cycling advocacy. I believe that the support of the province would be of great help in developing these resources further. I know of several individuals and families who have become a more active cyclists because of the advocacy and outreach of Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month. Additionally, our community was awarded Bicycle-Friendly Community status by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition in 2016. The development of the Rail Trail as a bike route would facilitate more commuting from Almonte to Carleton Place safely by means of active transportation rather than by car. It would also link more of Mississippi Mills with the existing non-motorized Trans Canada Trail from Carleton Place and on to Ottawa. As a business owner, I believe that my business and many others have benefitted and will accrue further benefit from increased accessibility to a safe cycling route to and between the communities of Carleton Place and Mississippi Mills. This area already boasts the amenities cycle tourists require, such as restaurants, accommodations, a bicycle shop, grocery shopping, as well as vibrant downtown centres, historic sites and museums. Both Carleton Place and Almonte share an awareness of the importance of active transportation to their residents and visitors. Later this month, Carleton Place will host the fourth annual Eastern Ontario Active Transportation Summit (an initiative that began in Mississippi Mills), and is developing an Active Transportation Plan, as did Mississippi Mills. For all of these and many more reasons, I believe that this area is worthy of the province’s support in becoming part of an Ontario-wide cycling route.

[Original Comment ID: 209318]