Don't get no respect!

Cycling master plans, despite their widespread health benefits and proven economic payback, are the Rodney Dangerfields of municipal plans.  Building a safe bicycle network remains a low priority with municipal staffers across Ontario.

Toronto introduced its 10 year Cycling Master Plan in 2001.  The goal was to build a bike network of 1,004km.  As of Dec. 31, 2010 43% of that goal was reached.
Hamilton's 2007 cycling committee suspended meetings because the city kept delaying bike infrastructure projects citing a  lack of staff to implement them.
Burlington's 1997 Bikeways Network Plan prioritized streets and was extremely detailed.  The plan was crafted by the hardworking volunteers of the Bikeways Committee of that time.  After 8 years, of anemic progress it too lagged behind its objectives.  From 2005 to 2009, 42km of existing multi-use pathways were added boosting the totals to 87km.
The new & improved, consultant enhanced ($$$) Cycling Master Plan saw light in 2009.
Since the inception, 8.2 km of new bike lanes have been added.  The plan calls for an average of 15km of bike lanes annually.

I don't know if all the city's myriad of consultant designed plans have a similar success rate of under 50%.  One wonders why they spend $$$ on  plans if the objectives are so easily and consistently ignored.

Its been my experience that playing catch-up rarely results in reaching your targets.  Let's hope the 2011 capital budget remedies the shortfall!

Heresy, cyclists doing good for ALL of us!!!

Toronto Star columnist, Joe Fiorito doesn't have a bike and won't ride one!

I jokingly refer to those heretics who don't cycle, as embracing the dark side when they see the light.

In a great article in the Star, Joe writes, "I intend to die at home in bed, and not on a city street under the wheels of a big car driven by a jerk in a cheap suit with a cellphone, a cup of bad coffee and a vein busting out of his forehead." 


It's a thoughtful article recognizing the dangers of cycling in the city, and realizing the benefits of cycling.  


Its a very good read.  Cyclists doing good for ALL of us!


Thank you Joe Fiorito!