This spring, For Our Kids Montréal joined over 100 groups and organizations to sign a joint statement submitted to the federal government by Vélo Canada Bikes. The letter urged the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities to immediately release $500 million in capital funding for the Active Transportation Fund. Delaying the release of this funding risks missing the 2026 construction window for cycling and walking infrastructure. Kathelijne, member of For Our Kids Montréal, explains why she wanted to get behind this action.
As a parent and member of For Our Kids Montréal, I strongly support urging Minister Gregor Robertson to approve and release the committed federal active transportation funds.
When the weather allows, I regularly use my bike to get to work and as a family we have taken multiple, long bicycle touring holidays both in Canada and in Europe. I grew up in the Netherlands where a vast cycling infrastructure is part of the culture, so it is not surprising that biking is still a large part of my lifestyle.
We have a pretty good cycling infrastructure here in our city, and there are several other members of our group who commute to work by bike. Many Montrealers also bike for recreation, and a fun, yearly event is Tour de l'île – an opportunity to cycle between 20 and 90 kilometres along mostly car-free city streets.
Through this call for action I learned that cities, municipalities and First Nations across Canada have submitted shovel-ready applications to the Active Transportation Fund nearly a year ago. We must not miss this construction season to see these projects built!
Every Canadian is entitled to the many benefits of safe cycling (and walking) infrastructure including increased affordability (an alternative to car dependency, better access to public transit) and the health benefits of physical activity, to list a few.
