# Will the proposed…

# Will the proposed initiatives help us achieve Ontario's goals for cycling?

Maybe.

Achieving these cycling goals is not about these initiatives in and of themselves. It's about doing everything possible to make using a bicycle for everyday transport easier -- and making driving harder.

This isn't about a "war on the car" or eliminating cars. It's about striving for equity. Automobile transport is unjustly given priority consideration in transportation planning and discourse. It needs to be given a back seat. Local transportation functions needs to focus on cycling, regional transport functions needs to focus on transit, and private automobile given consideration in the context of trips too far to cycle reasonably, and transit is not available.

Active and Safe routes to school could potentially play a very important role. Building safe routes to school could save money for school boards across the province. Thresholds for school bus service could be adjusted for thresholds higher than reasonable cycling distances instead of walking distances, reducing the number of buses required.

# What challenges should we expect to encounter as we pursue the proposed initiatives?

People are uncomfortable with change. The narrative should not focus on what is different, but rather, what remains the same. Comfortable routes. Access to useful bicycles with carriage capacity. Ample space to park bicycles safely, etc.

# Are there other important actions that Ontario should take in the next 5 years to help us meet our goals for cycling?

* Revise laws for vulnerable road users

* Introduce bike coaches as a standard for all GO Trains.

* Introduce minimum cycle parking requirements, or relax the interpretation of "vehicles" -- allowing either automobile or bicycle capacity to be valid for minimum parking requirements.

[Original Comment ID: 212802]