The Share the Road Cycling Coalition (SRCC) an Ontario-based non-profit organisation which promotes bicycling as a mode of transportation, recreation and fitness through provincial advocacy is hosting the 2nd Ontario Bike Summit in Burlington on 21-22 September.
The Ontario Bike Summit will highlight latest innovations in cycling infrastructure and design, alongside legislative enhancements.
The Summit brings Ontarians from municipalities across the province – Mayors, Councillors, planners, engineers, law enforcement agencies, bicycle retailers, public health officials and cycling advocates – together with speakers from across Canada and the United States to discuss ways in which to make Ontario’s communities and the province more bicycle friendly.
"The Ontario Bike Summit is an opportunity for all of us in Ontario who are working at creating bicycle friendly communities to share innovative strategies and to learn about the latest in cycling infrastructure and initiatives,” said Eleanor McMahon, CEO of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition.
“Through our research and outreach we know that municipalities are looking for tools on how to become more bicycle friendly. The Ontario Bike Summit will give them those tools so they can return home inspired and enriched.
"At the Summit we will also have the chance to learn from the success of cities like Portland, Oregon – ranked as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists (2009), by Bicycling Magazine (2006) as the "Best Cycling City in America" and sixth on CNN/Money Magazine’s "100 Best Places to Live and Launch" list (and its highest ranking large city) – based on cities with the best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal," McMahon said.
"Closer to home we will hear from provincial politicians about their vision for a Bicycle Friendly Ontario. Transportation Minster Kathleen Wynne – one of the Summit’s keynote speakers – will update attendees on the government’s progress in creating an Ontario Bicycle Policy, and its plans for promoting cycling in Ontario.
"The presence of each of Ontario’s political parties is a sign that bicycling has arrived on the political agenda. With an election next year, provincial politicians are eager to share their party’s vision and seek input in a policy area which: contributes to climate change and congestion mitigation; is increasingly viewed as a low-cost transportation alternative with significant health benefits; and tourism initiative with economic development potential," McMahon added.
