Advancing active transportation path construction in Kamloops....

I initially framed this motion with a cycling focus. Actually, our active transportation paths in Kamloops should also accommodate walkers and people with different mobility challenges. 

I am excited that this will come up for discussion at council at our first meeting in 2021, on Jan 12th.

 

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Presented by Councillor Singh

 

Notice of Motion for January 12, 2021

 

2021 Year of the Cyclist

 

WHEREAS Council set a goal to reduce community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2050;

 

AND WHEREAS Kamloops’ community transportation accounts for 66% of the City’s GHG emissions;

 

AND WHEREAS the high and medium priorities in the City’s Transportation Master Plan will take 20 years to complete based on current Active Transportation budget allotment;

 

AND WHEREAS cycling reduces GHG emissions, is more cost effective, and has enormous benefits in providing social determinants to health;

 

AND WHEREAS the introduction and availability of electric bicycles have impacted active transportation in terms of offering a viable commuting option;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council:

 

1. declare 2021 as the ‘Year of the Cyclist’;

 

1. direct Administration to present budget options, as well as address operational costs, to accomplish the high and medium priorities in the City’s Transportation Master Plan in five years;

 

1. consider initiating a community fundraising campaign for active transportation infrastructure similar to the River’s Trail project;

 

1. where grant programs include active transportation infrastructure projects, direct Administration to prioritize applications for these funding sources; and

 

1. direct Administration to prepare a report to Council on incentivizing the use of electric bicycles and creating a campaign to educate the community on safe transportation etiquette.

Comments

[Andrew Chacko]

Hello City Council,
Thank you for the opportunity to express my support for the active transportation motion put forth by Councillor Singh.

I believe Kamloops lacks (and lags behind other cities) the cycling and pedestrian infrastructure necessary to make the city more livable, more active transportation-friendly for commuting purposes, and more attractive to visitors.

Currently the city has small pockets of commuter-friendly infrastructure but there is not a cohesive system/network. Moreover, the city's main employment and education centres (TRU, RIH, etc.) are not well provided with safe and effective routes.

I believe the long term return in both financial and environmental benefits justify the investment in this area.

I appreciate your consideration of my viewpoint.

Kind regards,
Andrew Chacko