Velo Canada Bikes’ submission to the Federal Government ahead of Budget 2022 contained 6 recommendations:
Recommendation 1: That the Government provide funding in the amount of $720M for the rapid deployment of active transportation infrastructure networks to connect people to jobs, schools, hospitals, and essential services within communities.
Recommendation 2: That the Government develop a National Active Transportation Strategy, with sufficient funding to support meaningful public engagement and research, including a communication and public education component, and create a dedicated Active Transportation Infrastructure Fund of $700M per year.
Recommendation 3: That the Government of Canada immediately designate e-bikes as zero emission vehicles and implement incentives for the purchase of e-bikes, cargo, and cargo e-bikes, including, but not limited to, rebates, grants, subsidies, and a review of tariffs.
Recommendation 4: Building on the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; that the Government develop an ambitious and evidence-based position on the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of nation-wide active transportation modal shift. This position ought to be based on a study of California Air Resources Board (CARB) findings; the maximum reduction potential model; and integration of this evidence into the national active transportation strategy; and Canada’s commitment to meeting the UN sustainable development goals.
Recommendation 5: That Government budgetary research, as part of the gender-based process, include an analysis of the impact of the budget on active transportation among women
Recommendation 6: That the government identify funding to enable marginalized communities to participate in equity-based analysis of transportation usage and funding in Canada focusing on Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and people of colour. Key metrics should include safe access to safe and sustainable transportation, resultant life expectancy and physical activity, and the impact of the built environment on injury and death.
