In a week were cycling issues are up front at the standing committees of City Hall it is appropriate that a campaign is starting up to raise the profile of cycling and pedestrian issues in the upcoming municipal election. The Toronto Coalition of Active Transportation TorontoCAT.ca is putting forth a plan to make Toronto a Cycling and Walking City. For more information I have quoted the press release below.

New coalition of cycling and pedestrian groups gets into gear to make active transportation a municipal election issue in Toronto
Toronto, ON - September 12, 2006

Active transportation (cycling and walking) is the most affordable, healthy and sustainable mode of transportation. A city where cycling and walking are safe and enjoyable is a great place to live. Toronto could be a world leader in urban living and sustainable transportation, but the City of Toronto dedicates less than 2% of its transportation budget to active transportation.

The next Toronto City Council needs to take active transportation seriously and a new coalition of community groups, businesses and environmental groups has formed to make sure that cycling and pedestrian issues don't fall through the cracks during election 2006.

The Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation (TCAT) emerged out of consultation with environmental, health and transportation groups from across Toronto. The result is a practical and visionary plan for how the next City of Toronto Council can make active transportation a central part of transportation planning.

"Councillors have always said that unless they see a strong show of public support their hands are tied when it comes to doing more to improve cycling and walking in Toronto " explains Martin Koob of the Toronto Bicycle Network "but now with TCAT we have both a clear message from a broad cross-section of the public and a practical plan for action - there is no excuse not to act."

The TCAT plan is practical because its proposals focus on improving and expanding initiatives that the City of Toronto has already begun. The plan acknowledges the budgetary constrains that Council faces and stresses that investing in active transportation is very cost-effective way to improve the transportation system and quality of life in Toronto.

"In addition to its environmental benefits, active transportation promotes healthy living and is a very affordable way to get around the city" says health promoter Paul Young of the South Riverdale Community Health Centre "The city promotes active living but it also needs to create the spaces where that can take place."

The TCAT plan is visionary because it recognizes that the steps we take today are part of a broader transformation that will make Toronto a healthier, safer, more affordable and sustainable city. The plan encourages decision-makers to not just make piecemeal changes, but to embrace innovative ideas and lead in integrating walking and cycling into all dimensions of city planning and business.

TCAT will be conducting surveys of all the candidates in the upcoming election to find out where they stand on supporting active transportation. The results of the surveys will be available on TorontoCAT.ca by mid-October 2006.

TCAT encourages community groups, citizens and the media to use TorontoCAT.ca to learn about the challenges facing active transportation in Toronto and keep cycling and walking on the front burner during the municipal election. In 2006 vote with your feet!

As they say it is time to get out and vote with your feet.