OTTAWA — Nearly one in three Canadians (31 per cent) say they would cycle more if cycling infrastructure was better, according to a poll by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) released recently.
Better infrastructure was the number one controllable reason Canadians cited for not cycling more. Bad weather (46 per cent) and the destination being too far (42 per cent) were the other top reasons.
Thirty per cent of Canadians who cycle at least occasionally said that they had increased their cycling 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 per cent of Canadians saying it would move them to cycle more. Other types of infrastructure that Canadians would like to see include: connected cyclist/pedestrian pathways (39 per cent), wider cycling lanes (37 per cent), painted cycling lanes (31 per cent), and better signs or markings on roadways (27 per cent).
“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, in a July 28 release.
“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.”
CAA Bike Assist, a roadside assistance program for cyclists, is offered by all CAA Clubs.
The CAA findings are based on a poll of 2,824 Canadians carried out from June 5 to 16, 2020.
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