Ontario has a New Bicycling Strategy

The Ontario Bicycling Strategy was updated for the first time in 20 years and is open to public feedback until Jan. 29, 2013. The improved strategy includes...

• Creating a provincial cycling network to connect destinations and establish recreational cycling and tourism routes.
• Supporting municipalities in the development of local cycling networks, including making cycling infrastructure eligible for funding under the Municipal Infrastructure Strategy.
• Running public education campaigns with cycling safety partners such as Share the Road, the Canadian Automobile Association and EnviroCentre.
• Updating the Driver's Handbook to include better guidelines for cycling and sharing the road with other vehicles.
• Providing cycling safety and bike maintenance information with any new bike sold.
• Consulting with the public, cycling groups and municipalities on possible amendments to the Highway Traffic Act to support cycling.

One of the items awaiting public feedback is the potential law to require riders to wear helmets. Although this might deter some cyclists from riding, the province’s chief coroner found that in 2006,  3/4 of the cyclists who died were not wearing protective headgear.