Re: "Cycling upgrades in capital could cost $220 million," Aug. 12.
The point of building high-quality cycling infrastructure is not to create a paradise for cyclists, but rather to build a more livable community for everyone.
Our municipalities have invested well in car infrastructure for the last 100 or so years. Its now time for them to build more attractive, healthier communities through investment in high-quality pedestrian, cycling and transit facilities.
In June, Victoria's environment and infrastructure public advisory committee made eight recommendations to council for cycling infrastructure improvements. The first recommendation was for the city to adopt the Capital Regional District pedestrian and cycling master plan by the end of 2012. The plan calls for Class 1 cycling facilities that will be comfortable for people of all ages and abilities.
In Victoria's 2012 proposed official community plan, the "Hierarchy of Transportation and Mobility Priorities" places pedestrians and then cyclists at the top of the hierarchy. The committee made its cycling recommendations so that Victoria will be able to meet the greenhouse-gas reduction and transportation mode commitments projected in the community plan. For example, one commitment states: "A minimum of 60 per cent of all trips take place by walking, cycling and public transit by 2041."
We know well that walking, cycling and transit-friendly cities are more livable because these are the cities that we are attracted to visit on holidays.
Rob Thompson
Victoria
