The Importance of Cycling Infrastructure in Hamilton
As we Cycle in the City this Bike Month, we’re learning all about what it means to partake in active transportation. Whether you’re cycling for exercise, recreation, or to commute, cycling infrastructure plays an integral role in supporting safe, healthy, and green communities.
Active transportation infrastructure supports our fight against climate change by reducing the number of road vehicles emitting greenhouse gases onto our roads. Currently, fossil fuel emissions from road vehicles make up 17% of the carbon pollution in our region (Bay Area Climate Change Council). However, when we use our own energy to move us by walking or cycling, and have the infrastructure in our city that empowers us to do so, we can mitigate this!
“Transportation is a major source of emissions that contribute to climate change, making up about 17% of emissions in our region. We cannot rely on individual action alone to make the transition to net-zero. Evidence shows that what people want and need is safe, connected, convenient and equitable cycling infrastructure. By adopting policies that boost low-carbon modes of transportation, we can move people and goods around sustainably.”
– Bianca Caramento, Bay Area Climate Change Council
What is active transportation?
The Government of Canada defines “Active Transportation” as “using your own power to get from one place to another”, and this includes everything from walking or jogging to cycling to cross country skiing! When we cycle, we are using our own power to move us.
What is active transportation infrastructure?
Active transportation infrastructure is the infrastructure in our cities and communities that enables and empowers the use of active transportation for a variety of purposes. Active transportation infrastructure can include everything from bike lanes to sidewalks to the way that streets are interconnected with one another.
Active transportation infrastructure should support many different needs and goals. It should keep users safe, whilst also ensuring that travel routes are practical and accessible. It is important that users of all forms of active transportation are able to reach their intended destination in a safe and effective manner, whether those targets be residential, commercial, educational, or for employment purposes. Examples of cycling infrastructure in Hamilton can include safe, convenient, and interconnected bike lanes. While we can all make an individual contribution by cycling, we need a collective upgrade to infrastructure systems in order to drive systemic and inclusive changes to our carbon outputs.
How can I get involved in making a change?
- See what’s going on in your community and share your comments! The City of Hamilton Cycling Infrastructure page includes information about ongoing cycling projects across the city, with feedback and information sessions offered for new projects.
- Encourage safety and education with other road users! As drivers, we also share a responsibility to ensure that cyclists and other active transportation users feel safe when travelling. You can take the CAN-BIKE E-Learning course to learn all about cycling safety as a road user.
- Get out there! Every individual action contributes to reduced fossil fuel emissions. Maybe you opt to bike to work one day or to walk a short distance instead of driving. Active transportation can be fun too – get your family and friends involved!
If you are interested in learning more about cycling infrastructure in Hamilton, you can also follow some of our great cycling community partners and check out the following resources!
Have you registered to Cycle in the City this Bike Month with Green Venture? We’ve got two exciting gift card prizes to be won! All you have to do is register your bike rides throughout the month, up to once per day, in our contest form. Additional entries can be achieved by completing the CAN-BIKE e-learning road safety course (optional). For contest details and to sign up, visit our webpage here!
