In 2018, 16 elected representatives across Waterloo Region pledged to fund a minimum grid of cycling infrastructure within the next four years; a number of other councillors also expressed their support for CycleWR’s work. As a whole, 2019 saw a significant funding commitment from Kitchener, Waterloo, and the Region of Waterloo.
Moving forward, we’re looking for municipalities to commit funding for filling in the gaps of the grid. Until we have a separated, protected network of cycling infrastructure we won’t see an increase in the number of people who walk, bike and roll, which means we won’t see a decrease in congestion or any of the other health, economic & social benefits to our community. (Read more about the benefits of protected cycling infrastructure in our infographic).
Providing feedback on the draft budgets is the best thing you can do right now to help make this a reality. We’ll share ways for you to do that in each of the following blog posts, which will be released as details are made available. Engagewr.ca is one way to provide input for the larger municipalities if you’re eager to provide feedback now.
If you’re a fan of these investments, be sure to email your city and/or regional councillor to say thank you!
2019 & 2020 Municipal Budget Analyses
City of Kitchener Budget Analysis: 2019 and 2020
City of Waterloo Budget Analysis: 2019 and 2020–2022
Region of Waterloo Budget Analysis: 2019 and 2020
Note: Our volunteers haven’t had a chance yet to dig into the Townships or Cambridge, but if you are interested in crunching the numbers, please get in touch!
If you’re not convinced about the need for active transportation infrastructure, check out our infographic on the benefits of safe, connected bike lanes and then email us with your concerns at hello@cyclewr.ca.