SAFE CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE VITAL TO OUR COMMUNITY

I was heartbroken to learn about the death of a cyclist who was struck by a car while riding on Upper Middle Road west of Eighth Line in Oakville on the morning of March 9.

I have long been a strong proponent of cycling and the absolute necessity of ensuring it is safe and accessible for everyone in our community. In 2021, our government launched Canada's first National Active Transportation Strategy by creating the Active Transportation Fund, which committed to invest $400 million over five years to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails, and pedestrian bridges in all communities across Canada, including Oakville.

This fund is part of an eight-year, $14.9-billion public transit investment to support communities as they build vibrant neighbourhoods where people can safely live, work, and play.

Despite that, according to a Strategic Plan laid out by the town, Oakville's "Active Transportation" infrastructure needs improvement.

While more people took up cycling as a primary mode of transportation during the pandemic and many cities and towns introduced temporary bike lanes to accommodate them, now it's time to make them permanent to ensure riders can travel seamlessly and safely across our community.

I will continue to work with the Town of Oakville to see real change and prioritize the safe cycling infrastructure that Oakville needs and deserves so all residents have access to inexpensive, accessible, and safe active transportation options and that a tragedy such as this never happens again.

I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and community of the cyclist.