Philosophical statements…

Philosophical statements about building a better cycling infrastructure in Ontario only go so far. Such statements have to bepartnered with funding. There are many benefits to growing the use of cycling for transportation and recreation but none is as important as is health promotion. Every increase in healthy outcomes has the potential to reduce disease treatment expenses. With that in mind funding programs must be offered to municipalities to effectively increase cycling. Health is not a core program of municipalities, however municipalities can assist the province in promoting health and in avoiding unnecessary health care costs. Municipalities do not collect taxes or currently receive grants to contribute to a healthier Ontario. Provincial grants have to be offered to those municipalities willing and able to increase cycling in their communities