Ontario investing $25M in cycling infrastructure

The province of Ontario is moving forward with a $25-million investment over three years to create a more cycling-friendly environment. The initiative is part of the 20-year CycleON strategy.

The latest funding announcement includes $15 million for cycling routes that provide key connections and linkages on provincial highways, such as paved highway shoulders and barriers on bridges that separate cyclists from vehicles. Early proposals include:

• • • Highway 33 west of Kingston (part of the Waterfront Trail)
    • Highway 137 structure over the 1000 Island Parkway (part of the Waterfront Trail)
    • Highway 6 on Manitoulin Island and south of Highway 17 at Espanola (part of the Georgian Bay Cycling Route)
    • Highway 17B and Highway 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and Espanola (part of the Lake Huron North Channel Cycling Route)

The province has also dedicated $10 million to the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program to help municipalities:

• • • Expand their local cycling routes
    • Connect with provincial cycling routes
    • Launch pilot projects to make cycling improvements

Consultations on the municipal program have concluded and the launch is on track for spring 2015. Work is also underway to identify a province-wide network of cycling routes in collaboration with a broad range of cycling stakeholders.