As we continue to grow and…

As we continue to grow and look toward the future of transportation in our province, it’s becoming increasingly clear that building cities around cars is unsustainable. We need to shift our focus toward alternative modes of transport that not only reduce congestion but also create healthier, more livable environments. One of the most effective solutions to this is promoting bicycles as a primary mode of transportation, alongside improving the infrastructure for other alternative transport options.

We can learn a great deal from cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, both of which have long embraced bicycles as a central mode of transport. In Amsterdam, for example, nearly 40% of all trips are made by bicycle. This shift has not only eased traffic congestion but also drastically improved air quality and contributed to better public health outcomes. Copenhagen, similarly, has invested heavily in bike lanes, even building “cycling superhighways” that allow residents to travel long distances safely by bike. As a result, cycling accounts for nearly 50% of trips to work or school in the city.

These cities’ success stories offer compelling proof that when we design urban spaces for bikes and public transit, we create more efficient, healthier, and more connected communities. Conversely, cities built around cars suffer from high levels of congestion, air pollution, and the need for more space for parking, highways, and roads, often at the expense of parks, public spaces, and walking paths.

Investing in better infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation—such as expanded bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and efficient public transit—makes sense not just for cyclists, but for everyone. A well-planned network of bike lanes and paths reduces the number of cars on the road, leading to less congestion and a safer, more pleasant environment for all road users. It also reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to our broader environmental and sustainability goals.

Moreover, better infrastructure for biking and public transit means more accessible cities for people of all ages and backgrounds. In places where alternatives to cars are prioritized, we see more equitable cities where people can move around easily, regardless of whether they own a car or not.

Our province has the potential to be at the forefront of this shift toward more sustainable, people-focused transportation. By investing in cycling infrastructure and improving our public transit systems, we can create communities that are safer, greener, and more resilient. It’s time to rethink how we build our cities—not around cars, but around the people who live in them.

Thank you for your time and consideration.