39km of bike lanes, 8km of sidewalks and 4km of park pathways
On November 17th, Civic Works debated an exciting report from City Staff that proposed expanding safe cycling infrastructure for all ages and abilities by 39km, improving or creating 8km of sidewalks and widening or twinning 4km of park pathways. This scale of projects is unprecedented for our city and is the result of funding opportunities for federal and provincial money, a willing staff and council and the support of Londoners who ride bikes.
This is an investment in infrastructure that is always open and available, that is accessible to all Londoners free of charge, that encourages neighbourhood recreation, and accelerates delivering our existing plans because of new funding opportunities.
The first source of funding, the Covid resilience fund, has earmarked $5.5M for London that requires no municipal funding. Councillors at Civic Works have recommended to pursue all of this funding for improvements to cycling and walking in London mentioned above, but this direction from committee will need to be supported at council on Nov. 24th.
The remainder of the funding needs for this exciting proposal are planned to be fulfilled by the Public Transit Stream fund that has yet to open for applications.
What can you do to help?
Call or email your councillor to let them know you agree with supporting this Active Transportation Infrastructure Plan. Let’s seek federal and provincial money now so we can meet the stringent timelines of the fund
Post a comment in your neighbourhood group/ association that explains why you care about better sidewalks/ bike lanes/ pathways in London and how this proposal dramatically improves things without a cent from local property taxpayers.
The map below shows in purple which cycling projects may be included
