cityscape Province to Invest $25M in Cycling

The investment will help create a cycling infrastructure across the province.

Torontonians could enjoy more bike lanes, new signage, and extended bike routes soon, thanks to a new $25-million investment from the province that will fund cycling infrastructure across Ontario over the next three years.

On April 14, the provincial government announced the investment as part of its #CycleON Action Plan 1.0. #CycleON is a 20-year strategy to improve cycling in the province through a series of ongoing, multi-year action plans. This first action plan lays out steps to “design active, healthy and prosperous communities”; improve cycling infrastructure; make streets and highways safer; “promote cycling awareness and behavioural shifts”; and increase opportunities for cycling tourism.

A Ministry of Transportation spokesperson says that of the total $25 million investment, $10 million will be earmarked for the expansion of cycling routes in Toronto and other municipalities. Toronto will be able to apply for the funding through a cost-shared program.

The remaining $15 million will go toward building cycling infrastructure on provincial highways and bridges.

Both urban and rural cycling infrastructure projects can get pricey, says Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina). He participated in #CycleON’s strategy workshop and says, “Even something as easy as putting a line on a road can be very expensive.”

While Layton says the project is still in the early stages of funding allocation, he notes “it’s encouraging that the province is willing to set aside money for cycling-related projects.”