Ontario Construction News staff writer
Nearly one in three Canadians, 31 percent, say they would cycle more if infrastructure was improved, finds a poll by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) released last week.
“Proper, permanent infrastructure – such as lanes separated by barriers and connected pathways – are essential to making Canadians feel safer when cycling,” said Ian Jack, vice-president of public affairs, CAA National.
Better cycling infrastructure was the number one controllable reason Canadians cited for not cycling more. Bad weather at 46 percent and the destination being too far at 42 percent were the other top reasons.
“The temporary restrictions and barriers brought on during COVID-19 have helped lead to an increase in cycling, but locking in those gains, and keeping everyone safe, requires more permanent solutions,” Jack says.
Also, 30 percent of Canadians who cycle at least occasionally said that they had increased their activity during the lockdown.
The poll asked Canadians what type of infrastructure would lead them to cycle more often.
Lanes separated by barriers led the list, with 40 percent of Canadians agree. Other responses included:
- connected cyclist/pedestrian pathways – 39 per cent
- wider cycling lanes – 37 per cent
- painted cycling lanes – 31 per cent
- better signage or markings on roadways – 27 per cent
CAA supports better active transportation infrastructure, advocating for all road users to be safe on and around Canada’s roads.
These CAA findings are based on a poll of 2,824 Canadians carried out from June 5 to 16, 2020. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-1.84%, 19 times out of 20.