The Ottawa Cycling plan goes before council tomorrow. If you haven’t already, email your councillor to encourage them to support it. I’ve pasted my letter below, feel free to plagiarize.

Dear Ms. Holmes,

My name is Michael Powell, and I am a resident in your ward. I am also a frequent contributor to www.cyclinginottawa.ca, a site dedicated to discussing cycling and other urban issues in Ottawa and elsewhere.

I am writing to you in support of the proposed Ottawa Cycling Plan, which goes before Council tomorrow, and particularly the Transportation Committee’s recommendation to accelerate the implementation of the plans first phase to 5 years from 10 years.

I believe that, by and large, Ottawa is already a cycling friendly city, but would be made a much friendlier city under the proposed cycling plan. The plan’s network concept ensures that future cycling resources will be placed in such a way so as to ensure the maximum functionality for riders; considerations of cyclists when expanding or upgrading roads will mean that on roads without a bike path cyclists have more space from cars. Increases in the number of cycling lanes will be even safer. These two factors, convenience and increased safety, are critical factors in encouraging cycling amongst residents, both for functional (e.g. commuting) and recreational purposes.

I think it also goes without saying that an increase in cycling provides benefits to the city. Bicycles, as compared to other vehicles, use less space on the road and require less space to park. Less congestion means that roads can last longer before needing to be resurfaced or expanded; less demand for parking means that land otherwise used as a lot can be freed for development, expanding the cities tax base. Even when a commuter opts to bike rather than take the bus, the city saves, as fares account for only a little more than half of transit operating funds.

These are, admittedly, difficult elements to quantify in dollars saved, especially as compared to the very clear price of the cycling plan. But they are real. I think that it is also important to emphasize that the costs of the first stage of the plan are modest. Even over 5 years, the annual cost of the cycling plan would amount to a little more than 1% of the city’s capital budget, and would cost each resident of the city less money than they lose in their sofa.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at (redacted).

Cheers,
Michael Powell
www.cyclinginottawa.ca

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