Dear Mayor and Councillors,

I am writing on behalf of the Durand Neighbourhood Association to express our strong support for the proposed Cycling Master Plan.

Investing $2.5 million per year to implement the urban section of this plan over ten years would reverse decades of neglect and begin to properly balance the needs of all road users.  Although $2.5 million is a big increase, it only brings us (almost!) to the per capita investment in cycling infrastructure being made by our neighbours in Burlington and Toronto.

As reported in the Hamilton Spectator, there has been a big growth in cycling in Hamilton, especially for commuting, over the last few years despite inadequate and unsafe cycling conditions.  Cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, New York, London and Paris have all seen huge increases in cycling (and a lower accident rate) when they built an integrated cycling network. Hamilton will see a similar increase when we have completed a connected network of safe and convenient cycle routes.

Strong support for cycling is consistent with Vision 2020, the City's campaign to reduce obesity, tackle poverty, encourage active living and reduce pollution.  It is also an integral part of a balanced and sustainable transportation plan.

We urge you to express strong support for Cycling Master Plan, and allocate the resources needed so it can be completed in a reasonable amount of time: ten years not forty!

Yours sincerely,

Nicholas Kevlahan
Vice President, Durand Neighbourhood Association