CfSC sent the following letter to Mayor Larry O'Brien and members of City Council on November 13, 2009:

We are now seeing a welcome change in thinking about the role that cycling can play throughout Ottawa, with an approved master plan for cycling, increased public awareness of cycling issues, concern for cyclist safety,  and a greater number of cyclists visible on our roads and pathways (for  example, over 180,000 cyclists have crossed the Alexandra bridge alone since June of this year).

The recent inclusion of $16.7M within the preliminary budget for the 2010 cycling plan implementation by the Transportation Committee is a key breakthrough toward increasing active transportation in Ottawa.  Citizens for Safe Cycling (“CfSC”) wishes to commend and support the Transportation Committee, chair M. McRae and vice-chair C. Leadman for sending such a clear message in this first step of the budget process.

The areas of our city with the most promise for increased cycling, not surprisingly, present the most stubborn challenges relating to planning and implementation.  An expanded cycling program will need appropriate resources to tackle the difficult issues within the urban areas of the city.  The budget proposals made by the city’s Transportation Committee will provide the means to deliver needed city-wide enhancements quickly—such as tying together fragmented cycle routes, marking pavement features such as ‘bike boxes’, and revitalizing cyclist training and promotion.

Increasing cycling utility is primarily about maintaining liveable cities—places where people want to live, shop, and visit. It also has significant follow-on benefits including reduced emissions, improved health, and reduced traffic-related noise and congestion — benefits accruing to all Ottawa residents.

CfSC will work with Council and city staff to make the possibilities for improved cycling visible to all of Ottawa's residents.  CfSC asks councillors to provide their support for this Transportation Committee initiative through the budget process, and thereby help accelerate the transformation of Ottawa to a cycling-friendly city.

Regards,

Z. Krstulich,
President, on behalf of the Board of Directors - Citizens for Safe Cycling