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Petition Tag - cycling
1. Reinstate Lance Armstrong's Ironman Eligibility 
Lance Armstrong began his athletic career as a triathlete winning his first race at the age of 13. At 16, Lance Armstrong became a professional triathlete and became national sprint-course triathlon champion in 1989 and 1990 at 18 and 19, respectively.
In 1993 Armstrong focused his attention on cycling and became a decorated cyclist before being diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer at the age of 25. The cancer spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain. He had a 20% chance of living. He had surgery removing his diseased testicle and began chemotherapy. He also had brain surgery to remove the tumors on his brain.
After successfully defeating cancer Armstrong went on to win a record 7 consecutive Tour De France titles. With this unrivaled success he mainstreamed cycling in the United States, and used his celebrity and prestige to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for Livestrong and touching an unmeasurable amount of lives in the process.
After retiring from cycling he returned to triathlon in February, 2012 at Ironman 70.3 Panama finishing 2nd overall. He also entered half-Ironman distance races in Texas (7th) and St. Croix (3rd) before breaking through with victories at Ironman 70.3 Florida and Ironman 70.3 Hawaii setting a course record.
In recent weeks his Tour De France titles have been stripped, and he has been banned from cycling and all other sports governed by the US Anti-Doping Agency based on insurmountable evidence that he used performance enhancing drugs during his cycling career. It is yet to be seen whether the titles will go to the second place finishers of those years. Note that the 2nd and 3rd place finishers of all 7 years that Armstrong won his titles have at one point in their careers been suspended for the use of performance enhancing drugs.
2. We Support the US Anti Doping Agency
The US Anti Doping Agency (USADA) is chartered to:
To be the guardian of the values and life lessons learned through true sport. We hold the public trust to:
Preserve the Integrity of Competition — We preserve the value and integrity of athletic competition through just initiatives that prevent, deter and detect violations of true sport.
Inspire True Sport — We inspire present and future generations of U.S. athletes through initiatives that impart the core principles of true sport — fair play, respect for one’s competitor and respect for the fundamental fairness of competition.
Protect the Rights of U.S. Athletes — We protect the right of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes to compete healthy and clean — to achieve their own personal victories as a result of unwavering commitment and hard work — to be celebrated as true heroes.
The USADA was given evidence of a long and broad systematic doping program, and are required to proceed by their charter to fully investigate this evidence.
The USADA sent a letter two five individuals advising them that the were being investigated, based on eye witness testimony, for Systematic doping, trafficking, distribution, administration, and conspiracy between 1996-2011. The complete letter can be read at:
http://a.espncdn.com/pdf/2012/0613/armstrongcharges.pdf
After the federal government closed the case against Lance Armstrong, the USADA has decided to open it again.
Mr Armstrong states this on his website:
"I have never doped, and, unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one. That USADA ignores this fundamental distinction and charges me instead of the admitted dopers says far more about USADA, its lack of fairness and this vendetta than it does about my guilt or innocence." And we... his fellow athletes support him.
Derby’s sporting facilities are old and dated and the cost of restoring and maintaining them is hugely expensive.
A more cost effective sporting strategy has been developed to build new facilities including a centrally located Multi Sports Arena incorporating a velodrome and concert venue, and a new Olympic sized swimming pool. Smaller, locally based facilities would also be provided , with an athletics track retained at Moorways. The strategy has the aspiration of making Derby “the most active city” in the country, helping to redress the city’s health issues caused by a lack of physical activity.
This strategy has wide public support and the planning application for The Multi Sports Arena received many letters of support.
It was hoped that the Conservative/Liberal Democrat administration would be able to sign the construction contracts for the Multi Sports Arena prior to the recent council elections. However there was not enough time and the Labour group, who had opposed the project, took control of the council.
There is now a risk that the Labour group may scrap the project altogether, which would lose the economic and other benefits of an iconic facility, waste a great deal of the money already spent and commit Derby to spending huge amounts of maintenance on outdated sporting facilities.
5. Cycle Route Through A3 Butser Cutting
In the early 1990s the A3 road north from the A3(M) was replaced by a dual carriageway that, for the vast majority of cyclists, does not offer an acceptable safety level. The Highways Agency built cycle tracks alongside the A3, south from Queen Elizabeth Country Park to North Horndean and from Petersfield to Liphook.
The critical section for cyclists, through the Butser Cutting, was left without cycle provision with the loss of the primary cycling route across Hampshire’s South Downs. Over 10 years of campaigning by a large number of cyclists has so far failed to get this unacceptable road design rectified.
The Opportunity
At a recent meeting with HCC staff the Highways Agency agreed to reconsider their objection to a cycle track alongside the dual carriageway, in the Butser Cutting, between the south end of the unused Old A3 and the QE Park entrance. Even so HA still say they don’t have funds for the work. This link would allow the reinstatement of a primary north south cycling route through the South Downs using the now unused Old A3.
With approximately 80,000 people living within 10km of QE Park, the attractive location, the consequential improved access to the South Downs National Park and the mild inclines would suggest that within 5 years the average daily transits of cyclists would be likely to exceed 200.
Advantages of link
The advantages of building the proposed cycle link would be to:
• Maximise the number of cyclists who can cycle across the Hampshire Downs;
• Enable cycle commuting between the Waterlooville/ Horndean area and Petersfield;
• Enable cycle access from south of the Downs to Petersfield Railway Station;
• Improve cycling access from the north onto Butser Hill and into the Queen Elizabeth Forest and the wider South Downs National Park;
• Improve the safety of those who already cycle along the A3 route;
• Increase the level of cycling by making additional cycle routes accessible.
Cost of work
The cost has to be established. A feasibility study is required to define the work needed on the 600m section along the A3. Also a 500m long section is required between the Old A3 and the north end of the lay-by on the dual carriageway and the Old A3 needs obstructions cleared and the surface patched. The route length being 3.3km
Cyclists' petition
The Highway Agency’s more relaxed interpretation of the technical criteria suggests that this is the right time to increase political pressure for the reinstatement of the cycle route. The initial action is for a cyclists' petition that you are invited to support.
6. Improve Cycling Facilities at La Trobe University
The condition of cycling facilities at La Trobe University has been too low for too long. Often cyclists who arrive on campus will not be able to find adequate or secure shelter for the their bikes, and are frustrated by the general lack of other facilities and support.
Only 2% of students currently cycle to university, far fewer than those who live close enough to do so. The La Trobe Student Union believes that the University must do more to improve the quality of facilities for cyclists, and attract more students to choose to ride to university.
This is also in the interests of students for whom riding is not a viable option, as increased cycling will reduce pressure on the parking and tram systems.
7. Cyclists For Right Of Way Priority On UK Roads
8. 20 mph speed limit on Barnet residential streets
Barnet's road casualty figures are a disgrace. In 2010 it had the highest number of road deaths in London and the second highest number of people suffering injury on our roads.
See: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/Cycling/casualties-in-greater-london-2010.pdf
Injuries from accidents have risen sharply in Barnet in the years since the council declared it was planning to remove all road humps without introducing any alternative traffic calming measures.
20 mph speed limits have been proven by several studies to reduce road accidents by a large proportion.
See: http://www.barnetgreenparty.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/20-mph-limit-report-100303.pdf
Hurstville Oval in Sydney's South has played a significant roll in developing world champions for generations. From the Olympics to Roubaix, this suburban development ground has cultivated some of the finest talent to represent Australia on the world stage.
Decades of blood, sweat and tears have saturated the velodrome starting out as dreams on one day to representing Australia the next. Now, there is a serious threat whereby cashed up sporting codes want to muscle in and take control of the oval to the detriment of the velodrome.
10. Radical Changes in the Cycling Policy of Cardiff
I want to express all my disappointment regarding the current facilities for cyclists and, in particular, for cycle-commuters in Cardiff.
I have been living in this city for almost six years and I have witnessed little or no improvement.
Cardiff is an extremely bike-unfriendly city. This is a true shame, given its consistently flat layout and small size. A simple look at the map provided by the council (http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/cycling) shows that, outside Bute Park, there are effectively no traffic-free paths apart from the link between the centre and the bay. Unfortunately, not many people work in Bute Park, which, by definition, is a recreational area.
Two of the three main employers in Cardiff are the University and the NHS. Because of the presence of the University and the University Hospital, an extremely large amount of commuters transits daily through Cathays and Heath. The area enclosed by North Road to the West, Dumfries Place and Newport Road to the South, Waterloo Road to the East and the Eastern Avenue to the North comprises some of the busiest commuting routes; yet there are zero traffic-free paths. This is unacceptable.
Park Place, Albany road, Newport Road, Column Road, Richmond Road, with buses, cars (often parked on both sides of the street) are a nightmare for a cyclist.
I live in Princes Street and work in the Heath Hospital. My natural itinerary goes through Connaught Road, Pen-y-lan Road, Ninian Road, Wedal road, Allensbank Road. These streets are horrendous. There are a lot of potholes, badly placed patches and unlevelled surfaces. Nothing has changed in the last year and half. A lot of these disrupted spots are located at the far sides of the roads, exactly where people cycle. Exactly where, in some streets, the supposedly red bicycle lanes are painted (it seems that in Cardiff, to create a cycling path, all you need is a bucket of red paint and a brush). I am not even getting into the layouts of these lanes, very often starting and ending abruptly and without any logic (e.g., Senghennydd Road, Crwys Road, Allensbank Road, Withchurch Road).
The whole segment which starts from the roundabout where Ninian Road meets Fairoak Road until the junction of Allensbank Road with King George V Drive (which is the entrance of an Hospital Site!!!) looks like a freshly bombed ground. The same applies to the side streets of Ninian Road and to Inverness Place. The link in the header of this text shows once more how bad Cardiff is at this regard!
I understand that the maintenance of the roads is not an easy task. However, a traffic-free cycling path requires almost no maintenance, given the very little weight passing on it as compared to cars. This point can be readily proven by cycling along Jamest St. and Clarence Road in the bay, where the cycling path that a year ago was brand new, now is already completely ruined.
Whoever is responsible for all this should be ashamed in front of the people, because he/she miserably failed in taking care of such an essential aspect of the daily life of the city and the commuters.
11. Stop the cycling ban on the riverbank between Lambeth and Westminster Bridge
Vauxhall MP Kate Hoey has decided to enforce a cycling ban along the riverbank between Lambeth and Westminster Bridge, putting cyclist at significantly increased risk as the alternative routes are much more dangerous.
This is a really sad development especially in times when London finally tries to position itself as a cyclist friendly city. There are several reasons why it would be very desirable to re-institute the riverside as a cycling area.
Some of them are:
1) Along the road alternative, the cycle path is interrupted by bus stops. Cycling along this section exposes cyclists to busses pulling in front of them overlooking cyclists when leaving the bus stop area. Furthermore the cycling path along the road is extremely slippery as drainage of surface water appears to be slow leading to build up of residue, making cylcing along it dangeorus.
2) There are two roundabouts along the road before the riverside becomes a cycling area again after the Millennium wheel. Roundabouts pose particular threats to cyclists: Cars overlook cyclists when exiting the roundabout or when cyclists need to change lanes to get to the correct exit, making it several times more likely to be run over than on a normal traffic light crossing.
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
3) There is enough space for pedestrians AND cyclists. The area that has been recently declared a no-cycling area is not busy enough to not allow safe use by both cyclists and pedestrians. This is also the case for the riverbank along teh southbank stretching from after the Millennium wheel to the OXO tower. This is different around the Millennium wheel which admittedly gets very busy during the day and where cyclists should dismount.
The solution to make the use for both cyclists and pedestrians safe could easily be to ASSIGN A CYCLING PATH ALONG THE RIVERSIDE.
12. Grit Oxford's cycle tracks in icy weather
Oxfordshire County Council has a policy of NOT gritting cycle paths in icy weather. Yet hundreds of Cherwell students cycle along the Marston Ferry cycle track in the ice, and thousands commute along Barracks Lane, the track from Marston to the University Science area, etc. Cambridge and Westminster grit cycle paths: why not Oxford?
Do add in the comments, tracks outside Oxford (e.g. Eynsham A40) that you think should be included, along with other comments.
13. We Support cycling routes on the University of Leeds Campus
Evidence shows that providing cycling facilities such as cycle lanes encourages people to cycle. It also makes it easier and more pleasant for current cyclists.
14. Build Rockford for Biking!
Rockford, Illinois has a growing bicycle culture. Every year, every day, more Rockfordians are using the bike paths in our city, or are attempting to ride bicycles for transportation and commuting.
We believe that Rockford city officials and the Illinois Department of Transportation have a duty to address the infrastructure and safety needs of these riders.
15. Support The Growth Of Mississauga Challenge Bike Park
Over the past few years, the sport of "Dirt Jumping" has grown rapidly; especially among teenagers. Many of these teenagers have limited access to an enjoyable, safe, creative location to ride. When Challenge park was created, it provided few things for riders to enjoy. Now as it grows every year, we the riders would like to see large improvements. However challenge park has some very noticable flaws to many riders and there are things that can be done, to encourage more riders at challenge park, from beginner to expert.
We would like to suggest things such as a larger jump course with small, medium, and large lines. We feel that some freeride features such as skinnies, platforms, etc. Would be great enjoyment for all riders. To encourage the growth of other parts of the sport we would like to see a concrete or dirt pump track. Lastly we would like to see a foam pit put in where riders can enhance there skills in a risk free environment.
16. Bicycle Transit Station for Perth City
Update 26/Sep/11: the original petition used a funding model based on a developer sponsored Bicycle Transition Centre and the development land suggested was 3 Cliff Street. The developer funded model still may be the way to go and other locations for the centre may be considered.
To promote easy cycling to work and reduce traffic congestion a Perth bicycle transit station is a step forward.
The Station shall provide:
• 24-hour, 7 days/week access to bicycle storage, showers and lockers with key card access.
• Bicycle servicing and retail shop on site.
• Tea, coffee and a bite to eat.
• Wi-Fi access.
• Dry cleaning and laundry services while the cyclists are at work.
Around the globe bicycle stations commonly operate like a health club. They make cycling to work easier, and they build a community.
The Web Site Link above links to a full proposal for the development of a Public Bicycle Transit Station located at 3 Cliff Street, Perth (next to the Jacob’s Ladder, with access from both the top and bottom of the ladder).
For those that agree; The Stretch of the Regents Canal from Islington to Lime House needs "cycle traffic" calming measures to curtail what has now become a "cycle commuters" high-speed cycle-way, making leisurely cycling, walking or running a dangerous pursuit on the towpath.
18. Better cycle parking for Newbury Station
Existing cycle parking facilities at Newbury Station are sub-standard and need to be replaced and expanded. Poor design and inadequate security makes bikes easy targets for thieves and results in damage to wheels.
There has been a spate of thefts and vandalism in recent months, which is discouraging people from leaving their bikes at the station. West Berkshire Spokes are therefore leading the campaign for facilities to be improved.
19. SAVE CYCLISTS' LIVES: CHANGE WHITECHAPEL JUNCTION
The beautiful, bubbly 26-year-old lady who died tragically on Wednesday 16th September 2009 at the junction between Whitechapel Road and Vallance Road, London, was a dear member of our family.
We want to ensure that she did not die in vain and are campaigning for the redesign of this junction to prevent further tragic deaths.
Several people have been injured or killed at this specific spot in recent years. It is renowned throughout the cyclist community as being dangerous, particularly when travelling south down Vallance Road.
We would like to do everything we can to prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragic loss. PLEASE HELP US SAVE LIVES.
Sign up now and with your support we will work with Tower Hamlets, Tfl and the Highways Agency to make this specific junction and other cyclist blackspots safer.
Moreover we fully support other campaigns (e.g. London 2012 Cycle Safety Campaign and the petition to No 10: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/LGV-Cycle-Safety/) to ensure lorries are equipped with blind-spot mirrors, increasing safety for cyclists.
Thank you for your attention.
20. More bikes no cooking during Tour de France coverage
For half a decade Australian cyclists have been subjected to Gabriele Gate’s cooking show mid-broadcast. And with all due respect to Mr. Gate, even fair-weather cyclists would have to ponder: What’s a cooking show doing in a cycling race?
It is time for change.
21. One Way System at King William Walk Greenwich
King William Walk is one-way to traffic, leading away from Greenwich Park (on its western side). Cyclists make their way AGAINST the traffic. This is detrimental to their safety.
Greenwich Cyclists would like a cyclists contra-flow to be legitimately provided. Please sign this petition if you agree.
Many thanks. Teri
22. Let cyclists ride on footpaths in NSW
In NSW only cyclists under the age of 12 are permitted to ride on footpaths, as well as supervising cyclists of all ages. However both the ACT and Queesland allow all cyclists to ride on footpaths.
Recent years has seen a big increase in the number of people cycling in Australia. New cyclists can lack the confidence to share the road with cars.
NSW has a limited and disjointed network of cycleways and bike paths. Cyclists are often forced to join busy roads after the end of a cycleway.
Congestion cuases many roads to be filled with cars that are at a stand still for long periods.
These situations and many others require the legal use of the footpath as a safe alternative for cyclists at all times.
If permitted access to footpaths, cyclsists should always be respectful of pedestrians, animals and all other footpath users. They should ride at an appropriate speed, keep to the left, and warn pedestrians of their presence as needed.
23. Connect Britain with Proper Cycle Tracks
We keep being told to get on our bikes, get fit and cut down on the amount of pollution we create.
I am 100% all for that but I am not all for a visit to the hospital or the morgue because I have been hit by a car, bus or truck.
Instead of listening to the constant preaching about getting healthy, we should be demanding for the Government to provide us with proper off-road cycle tracks which not only wind around towns and cities but also link them.
With the rising cost of petrol, more and more people would love to get on their bike and cycle to work, more parents would probably allow their kids to cycle to school.
24. Reinstate public thoroughfare 438 Seventeen Mile Rocks Rd
I am seeking your support to call for urgent action by Brisbane City Council in relation to the dangerous conditions recently created along busy Seventeen Mile Rocks Road (number 438). The dangerous conditions have arisen suddenly with the closure of a privately owned service road (between Oldfield Road and the roundabout at Counihan/Jennifer Streets).
For decades, the service road has been open for public walking and cycling. The service road runs parallel to Seventeen Mile Rocks Road where there is no footpath on either side of the road.
The service road was a popular, safe, tree-lined route for student, commuter and recreational cyclists and pedestrians. Due to the sudden closure of the service road:
• pram walkers have entirely disappeared from the area;
• pedestrians are now walking on the road or in a narrow strip of sloped rubble in close proximity to heavy traffic; and
• cyclists are risking their lives on the undulating road which in some places, is too narrow for a car to overtake bicycles (at the median strip).
The community is now left without an important connection to cyclepaths, schools, bus stops, shops, aged care facilities, child care centres, cafes and the new DFO (via Goggs Rd). For those traveling to the Rocks Riverside Park, there is currently no other viable route for cyclists, prams, wheelchairs or those worried about personal security. Plans for a footpath on the eastern side of the road will only address a quarter of the concerns we have and is estimated to take some time due to the drainage problems in the area.
The service road was closed in March/April 08, when the private landowner of the service road erected barbed wire to disallow walking/cycling access. Landowner has erected signs indicating the intention to build in the fenced off zone although a development application has not yet been lodged. The land is zoned as General Industry and public consultation might not be necessary to obtain a development approval (depending on the applicable code)
The row of large trees which lie between the service road and Seventeen Mile Rocks Road may be at risk if the owner’s intentions to undertake construction proceeds. The trees provide important shade to pedestrians and cyclists.
Please consider signing the attached petition proposing a:
1. short-term solution to the immediate dangers created; and
2. consultative process for working through long-term development issues.
This problem is much less complex than most traffic and development issues in the Centenary area and accordingly, should be quickly addressed. Please help us ensure the community can continue to enjoy and value safe walking/cycling under the trees into the future.
25. NRMA, stop attacking cyclists or we will cancel our membership
The NRMA is vocal in their opposition of the development of cycling infrastructure in Sydney and is opposing the use of existing roads by cyclists in Sydney during Peak hours.
Despite the increasing congestion, high fuel prices and climate change, the NRMA continues to attack cycling as an alternative method of personal transport for commuters and recreational users.
Cyclists have every right to use the States roads. Cyclists, as a legitimate road user group, are growing in number in direct proportion to the increasing fuel prices. Clearly, MORE cycling infrastructure is required, not more car lanes.
Most cyclists are also car owners. A great many of these car owning cyclists are NRMA members and IAG customers. I would ask these people to reconsider their position on contributing money to an association that opposes theirs, and their communities' cycling needs.
26. Replace Meadowbank Velodrome
Edinburgh Council are soon to sell off the Land on which Meadowbank stadium is located on. The money generated from this will go to refurbish the Commonwealth Games pool for the Commonwealth Games. No provision has been made to replace the Velodrome at Meadowbank, yet all other sports located there have been catered for in the future.
An new Indoor velodrome in Glasgow cannot be seen as a direct replacement. The future of all young East of Scotland cyclists is at stake here as a velodrome provides a safe, traffic free environment for them to train and practice on.
27. Promoting cycling in Canada A viable, do-able solution to climate change
Adaptated & revised by Pierre Mathieu, inspired by C Tomasini's "Promotion of cycling in Canada" le 16 novembre 2006 (4100 + anglophones signatures gathered as of march 20th 2007...) ... et ça continue en français...
To all federal, provincial and municipal ministers and administrators
In charge of Environnement, Health, Sustainable Development and Finances,
The Kyoto Protocol is not an option it is the MINIMUM engagement that is reasonably attainable and to which all canadians have made a commitment. The governments are at awe as to how to accomplish that. Citizens of all provinces across Canada , and especially in urban areas, are the key players in the realisation of this goal. But they need the right means and incentives to act on their personnal environment s. To act on their own health as well as the earth that carries them...
At a time when environmental protection has become one of the top priorities for Canadians, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian government do all in its power to promote cycling as a climate-change solution.
In the summer of 2006, the Canadian government took steps to promote public transit as a climate change solution by offering a tax credit to public transit users.
At that time Mr. Flaherty said “Gridlock has become one of the most pressing issues across the GTA, eroding the quality of life and having a negative impact on business and productivity. Our government’s new transit tax credit will make transit more affordable, giving people even more incentive to park their keys and leave their cars at home.”
HE could have first said : "... having a negative impact on HEALTH, business"
and THAT is a reality present in all urban areas across Canada!
Then Environment Minister Rona Ambrose additionally said “The transit tax credit will not only save people money, but by taking public transit Canadians will be helping to improve our environment. The transit tax credit is part of our government's made in Canada environmental plan. Our transit tax initiative will take the equivalent of 56,000 cars off the road each year which will significantly reduce greenhouse gases here in Canada."
Department of Finance Canada (2006). Taking public transit is now more affordable in Canada. Retrieved November 4, 2006 from http://www.fin.gc.ca/news06/06-031e.html
We agree with Mr. Flaherty and Ms. Ambrose that removing cars from the roads should be one of Canada’s top priorities. We feel this can be achieved by promoting cycling as a substitute to the automobile. We also feel that the government needs to promote cycling due to its health benefits.
According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute:
Current estimates place the cost of physical inactivity in Canada at $5.3 billion ($1.6 billion in direct costs and $3.7 billion in indirect costs) and the cost of obesity in Canada at $4.3 billion ($1.6 billion of direct costs and $2.7 billion of indirect costs) in health care expenditures. This represents the totaleconomic cost as 2.6% and 2.2% respectively of the total health care costs in Canada. There is concern that chronic disease resulting from obesity may threaten or cripple the health care system in Canada.
Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute. 2004 Physical Activity Monitor and Sport. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2006 from http://www.cflri.ca/eng/statistics/surveys/pam2004.php
As well, in 2003 the Federal and Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Recreation and Fitness set a national target to increase levels of physical activity by ten percentage points in each province and territory by the year 2010. A primary reason that they set this target was that “Physical inactivity levels in Canada remain a serious public health burden. Fifty-five percent of Canadians do not meet minimum guidelines for regular physical activity necessary to attain health benefits. Physical inactivity increases the risk of chronic disease, premature death and disability.”
Government of New Brunswick. (2003) News Release: Federal and Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Recreation and Fitness Target Increase in Physical Activity. Retrieved November 4, 2006 from http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/pc-ch/news-comm/ce021712_e.htm
As cycling would combat climate change by removing people from their cars, and ease the burden on the health care system by helping people maintain an active lifestyle, we ask the Canadian government to do everything in its power to promote cycling as a means of transportation.
Steps which we feel would achieve this include:
a) Offering a tax credit to bicycle commuters similar to that offered to public transit users. Cyclists would be required to have their employer verify that they commute to work by bicycle, and would then be given a credit based on the value of the C02 emissions they would have released into the atmosphere had they driven a car to work.
b) Creating a program similar to Britain’s “Cycle to Work” initiative. In this program the employer purchases a bike and related accessories for an employee who wishes to commute to work by bicycle. The employer then claims the taxes back from the government, and sells the bike to the employee at the tax-free price over an extended period of time with small deductions from the employee’s paycheque.
c) Offering tax incentives to employers which set up bike lockers and showers for employees who wish to cycle to work.
d) A removal of GST from bikes and bike accessories.
These steps and others can promote cycling as a transit alternative, but perhaps more importantly, the implementation of one or all of them would be a strong statement from the federal government - legitimizing cycling as a preferred means of transportation. Please make this statement, and help us make Canada part of the solution to climate change.
In Montreal, for example, the public Administration, raised the cost of parking to jointly encourage & fund public transport and "downtown" cleansiness...However a great initiative, it can most surely be effective and welcomed if it is matched with the right incentives or compensations to those whom make the greatests efforts to take responsibility for their own health and that of our environment: to those who use the most ecologically & economicaly viable means of transportation :
Human powered ... & humanity empowering ... CYCLING!!!
Cycling, when made possible and accessible is yet more viable than petrol powered public transit.
Be it said, as scientifically proven, that habbits adopted early can last a lifetime... So the governments must provide strong incentives to those who have taken bad habbits (of taking the car to the corner store...) and also encourage our youth to adopt good ones such as what is yet the most economically, ecologically and physically efficient means of transportation CYCLING!
Yes! The environment is our planet ... The environment is first and foremost US ! In the likemind of "Think Globally, Act locally" our body's health is our first step and easiest involvement to the "ecological challenge" at hand. The financial /fiscal incentives that be granted by our gouvernments to cyclists will be more tha completely compensated by the savings in healthcare costs and rewarded by a significantly increased (or recovered) quality of Life.
28. Promotion of cycling in Canada
Dear Mr. Baird and and Mr. Flaherty:
At a time when environmental protection has become one of the top priorities for Canadians, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian government do all in its power to promote cycling as a climate-change solution.
In the summer of 2006, the Canadian government took steps to promote public transit as a climate change solution by offering a tax credit to public transit users.
At that time Mr. Flaherty said “Gridlock has become one of the most pressing issues across the GTA, eroding the quality of life and having a negative impact on business and productivity. Our government’s new transit tax credit will make transit more affordable, giving people even more incentive to park their keys and leave their cars at home.”
Then Environment Minister Rona Ambrose additionally said “The transit tax credit will not only save people money, but by taking public transit Canadians will be helping to improve our environment. The transit tax credit is part of our government's made in Canada environmental plan. Our transit tax initiative will take the equivalent of 56,000 cars off the road each year which will significantly reduce greenhouse gases here in Canada."
Department of Finance Canada (2006). Taking public transit is now more affordable in Canada. Retrieved November 4, 2006 from http://www.fin.gc.ca/news06/06-031e.html
We agree with Mr. Flaherty and Ms. Ambrose that removing cars from the roads should be one of Canada’s top priorities. We feel this can be achieved by promoting cycling as a substitute to the automobile. We also feel that the government needs to promote cycling due to its health benefits.
According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute:
Current estimates place the cost of physical inactivity in Canada at $5.3 billion ($1.6 billion in direct costs and $3.7 billion in indirect costs) and the cost of obesity in Canada at $4.3 billion ($1.6 billion of direct costs and $2.7 billion of indirect costs) in health care expenditures. This represents the totaleconomic cost as 2.6% and 2.2% respectively of the total health care costs in Canada. There is concern that chronic disease resulting from obesity may threaten or cripple the health care system in Canada.
Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute. 2004 Physical Activity Monitor and Sport. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2006 from http://www.cflri.ca/eng/statistics/surveys/pam2004.php
As well, in 2003 the Federal and Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Recreation and Fitness set a national target to increase levels of physical activity by ten percentage points in each province and territory by the year 2010. A primary reason that they set this target was that “Physical inactivity levels in Canada remain a serious public health burden. Fifty-five percent of Canadians do not meet minimum guidelines for regular physical activity necessary to attain health benefits. Physical inactivity increases the risk of chronic disease, premature death and disability.”
Government of New Brunswick. (2003) News Release: Federal and Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Recreation and Fitness Target Increase in Physical Activity. Retrieved November 4, 2006 from http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/pc-ch/news-comm/ce021712_e.htm
As cycling would combat climate change by removing people from their cars, and ease the burden on the health care system by helping people maintain an active lifestyle, we ask the Canadian government to do everything in its power to promote cycling as a means of transportation.
Steps which we feel would achieve this include:
a) Offering a tax credit to bicycle commuters similar to that offered to public transit users. Cyclists would be required to have their employer verify that they commute to work by bicycle, and would then be given a credit based on the value of the C02 emissions they would have released into the atmosphere had they driven a car to work.
b) Creating a program similar to Britain’s “Cycle to Work” initiative. In this program the employer purchases a bike and related accessories for an employee who wishes to commute to work by bicycle. The employer then claims the taxes back from the government, and sells the bike to the employee at the tax-free price over an extended period of time with small deductions from the employee’s paycheque.
c) Offering tax incentives to employers which set up bike lockers and showers for employees who wish to cycle to work.
d) A removal of GST from bikes and bike accessories.
These steps and others can promote cycling as a transit alternative, but perhaps more importantly, the implementation of one or all of them would be a strong statement from the federal government - legitimizing cycling as a preferred means of transportation. Please make this statement, and help us make Canada part of the solution to climate change.