Sustainable Transport in Canadian Cities: Cycling Trends and Policies

Abstract

This article presents a review of bicycling policies and trends in Canadian provinces and urban areas in light of Canada's success in promoting bicycle use in urban areas, compared to the U.S. However, the rates are still much below Europe's. A history of policy decisions, starting with the 2002 ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the Canadian government, is given. Overall trends and spatial variation in Canadian cycling are examined. Levels vary widely among the provinces, but the high is only 2 percent of work trips. Fatalities and injuries have fallen, despite the increase in bicycle trips and miles traveled. Bicycle policies at the federal, provincial and local levels are discussed. Broad areas of policy include parking and integration with transit, intersection modifications, and safety programs. Eight city centers are analyzed in case studies, with results showing an overall stagnation in bicycle travel growth.