# #bikefriendlycanada

EVALUATION 2 nd Annual Velo Canada Bikes Summit 2018

The goals of the Summit were achieved. It was the second opportunity for stakeholders from across Canada to participate, join in and contribute to the importance of the Federal Government’s role & support for cycling with the development of a National Cycling Strategy and funding for cycling infrastructure (Please see attached 2018 Participant List). The objectives of the Summit were achieved as focused on increase cycling, while reducing emissions:

Cycling stakeholders worked together for the need of Federal support to support everyday cycling in Canada

Cycling stakeholders worked together achieving a bike and active transportation friendly Canada

Cycling stakeholders worked together engaging Parliamentarians, decision-makers from all levels of government & civil society to the importance of cycling for a healthier, greener, more equitable Canada.

#bikefriendlycanada - https://twitter.com/hashtag/BikeFriendlyCanada?src=hash

The momentum created at the 1st National Bike Summit continued to build during Vélo Canada Bikes 2nd National Bike Summit in Ottawa, May 28th-29th, 2018 in which Velo Cape Breton’s Vice-President Vince Forrestall participated and contributed, bringing back the summit’s information, actions, lessons learned, etc. to the Board of Velo Cape Breton Association for consideration.

Velo Cape Breton Association Representative Vince Forrestall arrived in Ottawa on May 27th and was truly inspired & motivated by what he saw touring Ottawa & Gatineau, Que that day with thousands running in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2018 (Marathon) http://www.runottawa.ca/ that went on for hours, but also the recreation, leisure cycling https://www.ottawatourism.ca/see-and-do/cycling/ / http://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/cycling by residents & visitors in both areas on the great AT Infrastructure (Dedicated and protected bicycle lanes & paths, continuous sidewalks and walking paths, appropriate street lighting, and accessible

public transit) with bike lanes. So many people being active, leading an active and healthy lifestyle, it was inspiring to be in the city during this time.

It was truly an amazing location for the summit, as Ottawa is a city with Infrastructure, safe bicycling areas, including the Rideau Canal, Gatineau Park, bridges and residents & visitors being active throughout these cities on safe infrastructure https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/transportation-and-parking/cycling.

With Parliament Hill, and close proximity, participants had easy access to local MP’s in generating support, and lobbying Federal Government Officials, Ministers, and Senators, on the goals of the summit, while also learning how government works from members to the senate, including How a Bill Becomes Law.

Most of Canada was present with members from BC to NFLD. Those not present, are allies in these areas and more groups are expected to join as momentum for a bike-friendly Canada builds, working together towards building, supporting & advocating for a National Cycling Strategy and much needed dedicated Infrastructure.

The momentum, along with the passion, experience, caring & expertise of cycling was felt and present as Velo Canada Bikes (Est. 2012) is truly devoted to bicyclists’ rights in Canada and is a great resource. Velo Cape Breton should feel strongly about being part of the spirit of advocacy and need that that was felt growing across the country. Stakeholders networked, shared and learned from others who are passionate with success stories on how cycling & infrastructure transforms communities. Some provinces were ahead of others in areas (i.e. New Brunswick still working on its 1 m share the road rule for vehicles, cyclists).

Vice-President of Velo Cape Breton also noticed that the definition of trails were noticeably different across Canada as well. A Multi-use, shared trail in Nova Scotia is considered to be for most users, while in some areas of Canada it’s defined as a mixed trail, while multi-use, shared are broken down into Multi-use Motorized, Multi-use non-motorized, so important moving forward to be consistent across the nation on trail definition.

Velo Cape Breton will buy-in have ownership of the vision for the commitment of the federal government to create a National Cycling Strategy and a multi-billion dollar fund for cycling, and AT, infrastructure to support provinces, cities & towns in Canada to build cycling networks. It was clear during the summit that the Federal Government has a responsibility to climate change action plans & chronic disease prevention.

The creation of an AT Infrastructure Fund of $270 million/per yr over three years to support active transportation infrastructure across Canada. This would support the development of

dedicated & protected bicycle lanes & paths, continuous sidewalks & walking paths, appropriate street lighting & accessible public transit.

Reducing the rate of physical inactivity among the Canadian population will save the health system $150 million per year (See attached from the Summit: “Creating Active Environments for Canadians Through Infrastructure Investments”)

The summit allowed reps of local & provincial organizations to network, share & learn from National stakeholders of health, sustainable mobility, environment, education & equity, while also networking, participating, sharing and learning from Governments (Municipal, Provincial, Federal departments and ministries representing Parks and Recreation, Health, Small Business, Tourism, Sports, Environment, Transportation and Infrastructure)

Representative exposure to industry (Outdoor and sporting equipment, clothing, mobility, food and beverage, data collection, information technology, logistics and financial institutions)

Exposure, learning, being kept abreast/up to date of updated sustainable and urban mobility research through students, academics and leaders.

Velo Cape Breton's participation meant a Cape Breton voice to the Call for a Federal Vision & Leadership of cycling and representing cyclists of Cape Breton allowing the Vice-President to take back pertinent information, programs, events, contacts, policies, etc. to be shared enhancing cycling on Cape Breton island now and in the future.

Velo Cape Breton needs to support the need to bring Canada in-line with most OECD countries by having a National Cycling Strategy for collaborative action between all levels of government and to have a dedicated green infrastructure fund for active transportation, that makes it feasible for even smaller communities to access federal funds to make communities safe, convenient & enjoyable for pedestrians & cyclists.

Day 1, at Ottawa City Hall, Council Chambers had presentations and interactive sessions. It mobilized and educated cycling stakeholders leading to coordinated and steps towards building a bike friendly Canada. This was definitely achieved moving forward. In the evening, a reception & film screening was hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Caucus on Parliament Hill.

Day 2, on Parliament Hill saw cycling education with MP’s & Senators, including Senator Nancy Greene Raine who the coordinator met and followed by cycling infrastructure tours. Velo CB Vice-President participated in the Walking Tour of Cycling Infrastructure (Please see the attached). Delegates & cycling supporters gathered on the steps of Parliament Hill for speeches, followed by a bike ride with MPs, Senators & federal officials. The day was capped off by a BBQ reception in the East Block courtyard.

Participated in meetings and advocated with Members of Parliament, Senators and national representatives moving a National Cycling Strategy forward with dedicated funding. Velo Cape Breton added our voice to the Pan-Canadian call for safe, convenient, accessible cycling for all ages & abilities through the aforementioned. The summit & advocacy on Parliament Hill definitely brought attention to the benefits to our decision makers to invest in safer, convenient & accessible cycling.

It's hoped Canada Bikes, Participants, including Velo Cape Breton Association, advocacy, partnership & participation will lead to increased cycling infrastructure, including those with mobility barriers as roads will be safer.

Attendance, sharing, networking and use of presented evidence-based research/studies created a coordinated action leading to more cycling through the people, prospering by building a bike friendly Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and Canada improving the health of Cape Bretoners, Nova Scotians, Canadians and overall, the planet.

Vice-President of Velo Cape Breton, Vince Forrestall, participated in the following at the 2nd Annual National Cycling Summit. It should be noted that most presenters, speakers were very inspiring and gave you that confidence and motivation to go back home and make a difference, it can be done, it’s happening across Canada now. Having mayors of the big cities, MP’s and Minister’s really made cycling feel so supported with such a positive vibe and the confidence that the goals of the summit will be achieved and Velo Cape Breton was going to be part of it. I met a St. Johns, NFLD Councilor early during the summit and was thrilled with his youth, energy, but was very disappointed in his presentation as he did not have a presentation ready and wasn’t prepared, sharing his and his cities successes:

Monday May 28, 2018 @ Ottawa City Hall ( https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall )I was impressed with the venue and how open and available the hall was to the public visitors. It was meant to be this way as the Mayor wanted it this way I was told. I wondered where the city workers worked! Impressive.

7:30 am – 8:30 am Registration 8:30 am – 9:00 am Welcoming Remarks @ Council ChambersI was very impressed to be sitting in Council Chambers at Ottawa City Hall, visitors seating with a nice set-up with big screen and two smaller screens on the side with a nice sound system. -Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa (Including highlighting the success of Ottawa’s Bike to Work Month – Please see the attached)-Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, Mayor of Gatineau -https://www.gatineau.ca/portail/default.aspx?p=accueil -Dr. Mark Kristmanson, CEO, National Capital Commission - http://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/ -Judi-Varga Toth & Kate Walker, Vélo Canada Bikes - http://www.canadabikes.org/

9:00 am – 9:20 am-Keynote Address: Learned “How Sweden’s National Cycling Strategy is making a difference and why Canada should have one too” He was convincing, Canada should have one! - Lars Strömgren, Sweden, President of European Cycling Federation and Swedish cycling organization Cykelfrämjandet https://www.government.se/articles/2017/09/a-national-cycling-strategy-for-more-and-safer-cycling/

He’s Vice-President & acting president. European Cyclists’ Federation, featuring 80+ organizations from 45 countries, with the goal of encouraging more people to cycle, more often. It was inspiring to hear of the vast partners making a difference especially this day and age of collaborating and partnering in making a difference.

This keynote presenter was very knowledgeable, passionate and truly a great leader for his country, who showed, shared a proven (Went through the steps) National Cycling Strategy sample that is attainable and can be achieved here in Canada to meet our needs. Sweden is a big, bike-friendly country with a developed network of cycle paths in the towns and cities and marked cycle routes. In Sweden, population biking was 16%. The Swedish Strategy was the first of its kind and has the overall aim of promoting more and safer cycling. The strategy is the Government's goals in the area of cycling and a platform for future efforts. It strengthens positive cycling trends and encourages more people to change their habits and start cycling. The strategy focuses on: more bicycle-friendly municipalities; greater knowledge about different groups of cyclists; higher priority for bicycle traffic in community planning; more demonstration projects; more functional and user-friendly cycling infrastructure, and adapted management and maintenance; and increased physical activity. It was noted that recently, last fall that the Swedish government offered a 25% subsidy for electric bike purchases to reduce carbon emissions!

9:20 am -10:10 amMunicipal Leadership Panel: If You Build It, They Will Come. Learned how, why municipal leaders have built cycling infrastructure and how federal support helps them and other municipal leaders to advance cycling in Canada

-Mayor Steve Parish, Ajax, Ontario - https://www.ajax.ca/en/exploreoutdoors/bicyclefriendlycommunity.asp In 2017, Town awarded Bicycle Friendly Community Silver designation. The Town’s goal is Gold designation. Ajax’s multi-modal transportation program is a safe, integrated system including walking, cycling and public transit. The Town is proud to be one of the first Bicycle Friendly Communities in Ontario, as a leader and proponent of a diverse transportation system; Ajax recognizes the importance of on and off road connections to make cycling accessible and safe for getting around town. Investments are being made to expand Ajax's 140 km cycling network of trails, bike lanes, and shared use lanes.

-Mayor Caryl Green, Chelsea, Quebec - http://www.chelsea.ca/?lg=en Environment, friendly community. Active Transportation Master Plan created in partnership with Chelsea Trails. This plan is an important tool for the development of trails & bicycle paths, in order to serve the needs for utilitarian and recreational trips as well as to promote healthy lifestyles.

-Councilor David Chernushenko, Ottawa, Ontario (Highlighted Ottawa’s Bike to Work Month – Please see the attached) https://ottawa.ca/en/bike-work-month Very inspiring with incredible participation. 19,000 making a diiference in the lives and environment of residents.

-Councilor Ian Froude, St. John’s, Newfoundland - Very disappointed in lack of presentation (No power point) as he did not have a presentation ready and wasn’t prepared, sharing his and his cities successes.

10:10 am – 10:30 am -Networking & Exhibits – Vice-President exposed to a great resource: Ottawa’s Bike to Work Month Workplace Toolkit in which Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa highlighted during his Welcoming Remarks above as being highly participated in and very successful, making a difference – Please see attached.

10:30 am -11:20 amWallets on Wheels: The Economic Benefits of Cycling for Canada. Federal investments in dedicated cycling infrastructure benefits Canadian tourism and Canadian small and medium-size business.

Very inspiring true stories and successes, showing cycling generates dollars for the local and provincial economies making a difference. The Walmarts, Canadian Tires, Sport Checks are competitors and owners wish to have cycling supplies regulated to have qualified people assembling bikes, etc. Future of the Independent Bicycle Dealer and Rumors of the Death of the Local Bike Shop have been exaggerated.

-Jean-François Pronovost, VéloQuebec - http://www.velo.qc.ca/en/Home -Dr. Maria Rasouli, Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals, Ottawa, Ontario - https://escapebicycletours.ca/ -Michael Cranwell, Gears Bike Shops, Toronto, Ontario - https://shop.gearsbikeshop.com/ -Mike Connolly, Cycle PEI - http://cpei.ca/ Confederation Trail and PEI Assets including Gran Fondo PEI http://granfondo-pei.ca/ -Dr. Arne Elias, Vélo Canada Bikes http://www.canadabikes.org/. Develops races, events, programs, and strategies for increasing cycling in Canada. You could feel his passion, expertise of building corporate and community sustainability, while sitting on the FCM Green Municipal Fund https://fcm.ca/home/about-us/green-municipal-fund-council.htm Council, led founding of Canada Bikes as its first Chair. He is an advisor in the private & public sectors delivering transportation & energy sustainability

11:20 am -12:10 pmIt’s Too Cold, It’s Too Far, It’s Too Heavy: Debunking Myths about Cycling Potential in CanadaPerceived barriers to cycling in Canada overcome and Canada can be a place where all people can safely cycle for daily transportation.

-Dr. Glyn Bissix, Founding Member of Greenways NS - http://greenwaysnovascotia.ca/ Have seen this presentation before from Dr. Bissix featuring motorized vehicle damage to trails and unsafe as multi-users.

-Dr. Karl Saidla, Winter Cycling, University of Ottawa – Winter AT in Ottawa, Karl Saidla, University of Ottawa. Ottawa has temperatures extremes of -30 and an average of 2.2 metres of snow during winter. Highlighted Winter Cycling initiatives & conditions of paths and really sold me on cycling to work, during play and with family in the winter months. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s work on active transportation, physical activity, healthy community design, and healthy living. Weather probably has the most effect of whether people will cycle, or bus/drive.

-Ciel Sander, Trails BC http://www.trailsbc.ca/ -Darnel Harris, Transporting Cargo via Bike, Vélo Canada Bikes. “Sport to Transport” - Very inspiring, informative with visuals/actuals of cargo bikes and parcels/cargo & amazing seeing big items being transported via the bike when we think of cargo planes, trucks, but not bikes. Can’t wait to see cargo being transported in cape Breton!

12:10 pm – 1:20 pm Lunch - sponsored by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in CanadaPan-Canadian Poster Presentations

1:20 pm – 1:50 pmMore Cycling = People & the Planet Prosper. Building a bike friendly Canada improves the health of Canadians and our Planet

Again, inspiring that cycling benefits the environment and the lives of Canadians.

-Dr. Eric Notebaert, Canadian Physicians for the Environment - https://cape.ca/ Emergency medicine physician, clinical researcher and associate professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal. Vice-president of the board of directors of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and on the board of the Physicians for Global Survival and Canada Climate Reality. Advocates for issues that affect the environment and health of Canadians (Energy generation, transportation, and pesticides)-Meredith James, Environmental Lawyer – Very inspiring, smart as she is a cycling advocate, founder of Peoples’ Pedal Bicycle Sharing Cooperative in Edmonton, served on Cycle Toronto’s board, She is an environmental lawyer, She is a solicitor at the City of Toronto. She rides a black city bike with rainbow lights travels in all weather.

-Gideon Forman, David Suzuki Foundation – A Climate Change Policy Analyst promoting renewable energy projects and expansion of public transit and active transportation.

1:50 pm – 2:20 pmNational EcoAction Project: Increased Cycling, Decreased Emissions. Funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, cycling advocates in four Canadian cities equals more people on bikes and decreasing car use

-Anna Ho, Edmonton Paths for People: https://www.pathsforpeople.org/. Focused on the organization, non-profit of enthusiastic and strategic community-builders improving conditions for bicycling & walking (and any other human-powered transportation) in Edmonton. Shared recent happenings including Edmonton modernizing policies that govern multi-use trails to reduce conflicts, attract more users and better adhere to long-term transportation goals. Recommended adopting policy that commits to designing and building all new hard-surface, off-road routes that are closed to motor vehicle traffic (multi-use trails) at a higher standard than they currently are, as well as retrofitting existing infrastructure to these standards. Also, calling on Edmonton to change how it designs multi-use paths. Edmonton funicular construction causing road and path closures, 1/3 of Edmonton river valley trails are not in good condition: report Wider sidewalks, tracks and shared-use paths on Edmonton’s High Level Bridge to be studied “Off-leash areas, the ravines, anywhere in the river valley “Some of those places are still remote enough that they aren’t used that heavily and the multi-use path is appropriate. “But, in central areas, they’re starting to get busy. When they renew or build new paths in those areas, like the city to take a sophisticated approach.” Users walking side-by-side, owners letting their dogs off-leash and young children on bicycles are issues by the group. Paths for People is committed to connecting with people of all ages to strengthen the voices of Edmontonians in support of creating a walkable and bike able city that is human-centred by design.

-David Laing, Bike Brampton http://bikebrampton.ca/ focused on the organization and successes. Volunteers, who encourage, promote & advocate for safe transportation and recreation cycling. Their goal is to advance to a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community, as awarded by Share the Road Cycling Coalition. They know that increased cycling will lead to better health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, reduced traffic congestion, reduced road infrastructure costs, and improves the environment. Increased cycling grows the local economy and leads to a strong, healthy, vibrant community.

-Geoff Bush, Coalition Vélo Montreal https://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://velomontreal.com/fr/accueil/&prev=search -Kelsey Lane, Halifax Cycling Coalition – https://cyclehalifax.ca/ focused on Urban Cycling Workshops, Women’s Intro Cycling Workshops and HFX Cycle FIX which is a project started by the HCC to address issues. The user-based map allows HRM cyclists to upload cycling issue reports. Bicycle NS has similar across the province.

2:20 pm – 3:00 pm

Building an Equitable and Accessible Canada: Cycling Benefits All. Building dedicated cycling infrastructure improves equity for all Canadians, including the elderly, youth, women, and those with mobility barriers.

Truly inspiring as we heard from presenters like assisting seniors getting around, a youth, author and Paralympic champion who shared stories

-Gary Bradshaw, Cycling Without Age – Caught my attention with rickshaw bikes. http://cyclingwithoutage.ca/ottawa/ with a very passionate, knowledgeable and great leader presenter of the program http://cyclingwithoutage.ca/ottawa/ / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc-F4cbMZHk&feature=youtu.be which is growing and would like to see implemented in Cape Breton-Anna Sierra Heffernan-Wilker, youth cycling advocate – Probably one of the best presentations who told her story and inspired me/us by her story! Anna Sierra is in grade 9, Glebe Collegiate Institute in Ottawa and trains with the Ottawa Bicycle Club. She travelled around Europe, Latin America, the United States and Canada by bike with her family. She is a passionate cycling advocate and wants kids across Canada can ride safely to school. -Laura Robinson, author, former Canadian cycling champion - Bikes are a vital part of daily life for people of all ages. Laura Robinson talked about the history (the first bike was propelled by the rider’s feet pushing against the ground) with useful and fun information, including tips for the way to dress for safe and efficient biking; what to eat for maximum body efficiency; and how to select and maintain a bike. -Marnie Peters, Accessibility Consultant & Paralympic Champion – Inspiring role model, mentor who won gold medals at Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games and the 2002 World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan. Shared her experiences and collaborative nature, universal design & accessibility provides good design, addressed the need of persons with disabilities, while respecting the client’s design.

3:00 pm – 3:20 pm Facilitated Networking

3:20 pm – 3:55 pmMultimodal Matters: Cycling, Active Transportation and Transit. Federal transit investments maximize funding cycling & active transportation infrastructure

-Dr. Kevin Manaugh, McGill University - Understanding how transportation needs of disadvantaged populations & issues of social equity can be integrated into land use and transportation policies; Understanding how people and households of different socio-economic status respond to measures of local and regional accessibility and Understanding behavior change of sustainable transportation and its effects on health & well-being.-Bob Bell, owner WIKE BIKE and city councilor, Guelph Ontario - https://www.wicycle.com/ Guelph inventor, business owner and veteran city councillor was on CBC's Dragon's Den, Wike Bicycles. For 20 years, Bell manufactured a line specialty bicycle trailers and carriers of his own invention. Wike Bicycles and Trailers is in Guelph. Bell brought products.

-Matt Pinter, MetroLinx, Toronto - http://www.metrolinx.com Metrolinx, agency of Ontario Government under Metrolinx Act, 2006, improves the coordination & integration of all modes of transportation in Toronto & Hamilton Areas. It’s undertaking the largest transportation investment in Ontario’s history to get people where they need to go better, faster, easier, while also operating GO Transit, UP Express & PRESTO. They plan, build, operate and connect transportation in Toronto and Hamilton Area.

3:55 pm – 4:45 pmVulnerable Road Users: Safety is Not Negotiable. Cyclists and pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users. All Canadians benefit when our roads are safe for all users.

-Graham Larkin, Vision Zero Canada - https://visionzero.ca/ Advocates for the elimination of traffic violence on Canada's streets. Each year more than 1800 people die on Canada’s roads and 160,000 are injured. Vision Zero Canada recognizes that this is preventable and campaigns for elimination of traffic violence for all road users including drivers, passengers, pedestrians & cyclists.-Patrick Brown, Bike Law Canada - https://www.bikelaw.com/country/canada/ Definitely a very interesting topic with lots of questions of liability and who is responsible. Bike laws changed with Ontario Bill 37 https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-41/session-3/bill-37 -Karen Laberee, Bikemaps.org - https://bikemaps.org/. Goal is to map cycling experiences to make biking safer: Local cycling trouble spots and they want us to map them. Our knowledge of cycling safety, hazards, and bike thefts are analyzed using GIS and stats to identify spots of cycling safety, risk and crime. They are constantly updating their maps & technology, so send us feedback. Also, updated safety maps generated from our biking experience.-Jess Spieker, Friends and Families for Safe Streets

4:45 pm – 5:15 pmEvidence to Action: The Importance of Data and Collective Action. Using evidence to create a persuasive argument and coordinate collective action

5:15 pm – 5:30 pm Closing Remarks

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Reception on Parliament Hill hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Cycling CaucusScreening of the award-winning documentary ‘Shift – The Film’National Cycling Advocacy Award Ceremony-Catherine McKenna, Minister, Environment and Climate Change Canada-Senator Nancy Greene Raine (ret’d)

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 – Parliament Hill8:00 am – 9:00 am

-Federal Jurisdiction Matters: Montreal Case Study http://www.canadabikes.org/why-federal-jurisdiction-matters-montreal-case-study/ -Daniel Lambert, Coalition Vélo Montreal Bike Coalition - cycling advocate and a spokesperson for Montreal Bike Coalition. He participates in several cycling associations. His dream – 30% cycling modal share in Montreal with two requirements to achieve the objective: Protected bike paths on most arteries and Good winter cleaning of bike paths-Faith McDonald, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Nelson House Manitoba – Very emotional story of safer roads as 3 were killed and shared real life tragedy of the story. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/nelson-house-funeral-for-three-boys-draws-mourners-from-across-northern-manitoba-saskatchewan-481959263.html

9:00 am – 12:00 pmCycling Education and Engagement. Teams of Summit delegates met with MP’s & Senators and discussed, lobbied cycling to achieve Canada’s Paris targets, improve the health of Canadians, reduce inequality and boost the economy

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm-Where the Rubber Hits the Road: cycling and walking infrastructure tours in central Ottawa

4:00 pm -7th Annual Bike Day on Parliament Hill

4:30 pm-Parliament Hill Gathering

5:30 pm-Interprovincial bike ride with Parliamentarians, guests and delegates from the Summit

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm -BBQ in the East Block Courtyard; Winded down in the Senate building courtyard with delegates & guests; Networking with cycling enthusiasts

Attendance at the Summit Will Lead to the Continued Focuses of the Board of Velo Cape Breton:

Velo Cape Breton Association will continue to be the Cape Breton voice, advocate and partner in federal support for cycling in Canada with the development of a National Cycling Strategy & funding for cycling infrastructure - building dedicated cycling infrastructure improving equity for all Cape Bretoners, Nova Scotians and Canadians (Elderly, youth, women and those with mobility barriers).

Velo Cape Breton Association will show the need and importance of Municipal, Provincial and Federal Government support advancing everyday all seasons cycling on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia & Canada as cyclists and pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users - All will benefit when roads are safe for all users.

Velo Cape Breton Association will continue to and build on mobilizing cycling stakeholders working together to achieve a bike and active transportation friendly Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and Canada.

Velo Cape Breton Association will build on the importance of cycling, decreasing Emissions with cycling advocates getting more people on bikes and decreasing car use, while achieving Canada's Paris targets through cycling leading to the improved health of Cape Bretoners, Nova Scotians and Canadians, reducing inequality and boosting local, provincial and national economy

Velo Cape Breton Association will engage parliamentarians, decision-makers and all levels of government that cycling presents a healthier, greener, more equitable Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia & Nation.

Velo Cape Breton Association will support and assist municipal leaders in advancing cycling on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia & Canada.

Position Velo Cape Breton Association as an economic contributor for Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and Canada, through the economic benefits of cycling (Cabot Trail in 4 Days, Blue Route, AT/Bike Lanes, Annual Rides, etc.).

Velo Cape Breton Association will support Federal investments in dedicated cycling infrastructure benefitting Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and Canadian tourism, along with small and medium-size business in the aforementioned areas.

Velo cape Breton Association will continue to have exposure & participation to a multi-media, experiential national networking

Velo Cape Breton Association will increase cycling in Canada, including Nova Scotia and the Cape Breton Region

Velo Cape Breton Association will showcase cycling as ideal, cost-effective for accomplishing the goals the federal government has set for itself and localizing this to Cape Breton Island.

Velo Cape Breton Association learned, bringing back and sharing with Cape Breton how cycling is timely, youth-friendly, benefits the middle class, is fiscally prudent, is a solution that stems

from evidence-based approaches to Canada’s challenges, related to the challenges on Cape Breton Island.

Velo Cape Breton Association will reduce barriers to cycling including "It’s Too Cold, It’s Too Far, It’s Too Heavy" - Myths about cycling potential on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and Canada. Working together with partners to overcome barriers to cycling on Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Canada which can and will be a place where all people can safely cycle for daily transportation.

Velo Cape Breton Association participation will lead to a whole-of-governments approach locally throughout Cape Breton Island and provincially through Bicycle Nova Scotia.

Velo Cape Breton Association's National Cycling Summit Representative, Vice-President Vince Forrestall, will bring back to Cape Breton Island the summary of presentations, evidence-based approaches, contacts met, links to pertinent information, etc. to present to the Board at the Sept. 6th, 2018 regular monthly meeting for review & action (s), based on current resources, networks, partnerships, committees, timelines, volunteers time, etc.

Velo Cape Breton will focus on the following in a follow-up/action to the Summit's participation:

-Demonstrate the need & importance of Municipal, Provincial and Federal support to advance everyday cycling on Cape Breton Island.

-Mobilize cycling stakeholders to work together to achieve a bike and active transportation friendly Cape Breton Island.

-Engage with Parliamentarians & decision-makers from all levels of government and civil society to increase understanding of the opportunity cycling presents for a healthier, greener, more equitable Cape Breton Island.

Increase cyclists on Cape Breton Island through the following lessons learned from the Summit:

-Reduce barriers to cycling (It’s Too Cold, It’s Too Far, It’s Too Heavy) - Myths about cycling potential on Cape Breton Island. Working together with our partners to overcome barriers to cycling on Cape Breton which can and will be a place where all people can safely cycle for daily transportation.

- Will bring attention to the benefits on Cape Breton Island of investing in safer, more convenient, more accessible cycling for all ages & abilities in all localities on Cape Breton Island. Velo Cape breton's advocacy, partnership and participation will lead to an increase of dedicated cycling infrastructure, improving equity for all (Elderly, youth, women, and individuals with mobility barriers). All will benefit when roads are safer.

- Evidence-based approaches to create a case and coordinated action leading to more cycling through the people, building a bike friendly Cape Breton Island.

- Velo Cape Breton to be a voice, advocate and partner in building dedicated cycling infrastructure improving equity for all Cape Bretoners (Elderly, youth, women and those with mobility barriers) showing the need and importance of local government, Provincial and Federal support to advance everyday cycling on Cape Breton Island as cyclists and pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users. All will benefit when roads are safe for all users.

-Velo Cape Breton will continue to and build on mobilize cycling stakeholders to work together to achieve a bike and active transportation friendly Cape Breton Island.

-Velo Cape Breton will continue and build on the importance of increasing cycling, while decreasing Emissions with cycling advocates getting more people on bikes and decreasing car use, while discussing the case for cycling as a tool to achieve Canada's Paris targets - improve the health of Cape Bretoners, reduce inequality and boost our economy

-Velo Cape Breton will continue to and build on engaging parliamentarians, decision-makers and from all levels of government and civil society to increase understanding of the opportunity cycling presents for a healthier, greener, more equitable Cape Breton island.

Velo Cape Breton will continue to learn how and the importance of why municipal leaders have built cycling infrastructure and how federal support would help them and other municipal leaders to advance cycling on Cape Breton Island.

-Continue to and build on the position of Velo Cape Breton as an ecomic contributor for Cape Breton Island through the economic benefits of cycling (Cabot Trail in 4 Days, Lobster Roll Relay, Blue Route, AT/Bike Lanes, etc.)

-Velo Cape Breton's continued whole-of-governments approach locally throughout Cape Breton Island.

- Educate all on how cycling is timely, youth-friendly, benefits the middle class, is fiscally prudent, is a solution that stems from evidence-based approaches, related to the challenges on Cape Breton Island.

When reporting the evaluation of the summit to the Velo Cape Breton Board at their next Board meeting, September 6, 2018, Vice-President will report on the aforementioned and will also make the following recommendations to the Board for Action:

Velo Cape Breton schedule a meeting with MP Mark Eyking or send a letter to garner his support on federal support for cycling in Canada with the development of a National Cycling Strategy & funding for cycling infrastructure

Work with MP Eyking to host a Ride (s) in His Riding asking if he supports a bike-friendly Canada (Materials like fact sheets, a checklist of what we’ll need, and blank templates made available)

Give the national organization, Velo Canada Bikes, Velo Cape Breton bike initiatives & actions across the country, pulse of advocacy groups, research projects, municipal council decisions on bike friendly plans, and on the national front. Velo Cape Breton let’s Velo Canada Bikes what is happening that is relevant to our part of Canada – Cape Breton Island.

Learn from & about what is happening elsewhere in the country. Recommend that a member of the Velo Cape Breton Board attend the Summit annually. Encourage establishment of a Cycling Without Age Program

http://cyclingwithoutage.ca/ottawa/ / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc-F4cbMZHk&feature=youtu.be which is a very beneficial program that continues to grow and should be implemented in Cape Breton with available resources.

Encourage Municipalities & First Nation Communities in Cape Breton to start or continue with their successes of Bike Week locally & coinciding with provincial Bike Week, but to continue or include a Bike to Work component accessing Ottawa’s Bike to Work Month Template– Please see the attached and https://biketoworkottawa.ca/)

Encourage Velo Canada Bikes Membership – individual, Velo cape Breton Association non-profit memberships and municipal and business memberships. Membership benefits would include the following:

-Opportunities to join Canada-wide panels / task force working groups-Member discount rates to National Bike Summit-Chance to add to the national voice-Ability to engage with fellow members for best practices-Part of the group helping to make a national advocacy voice possible-Any stand out moments that serve as great reminders as to why the local organization Velo Cape Breton Association and nationally Vélo Canada Bikes exists. A moment is one of ours including streets (AT), our communities and Canada to make sure cyclists are bicycling in a biker friendly Canada - Feeling right like the good countries “do” cycling. We want Canada to be like that too! That’s why Canada Bikes and our organization Velo Cape Breton exists.

Advocating for Active Transportation

Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities made active transportation a priority in 2008 when it resolved to promote strategies among its membership and with other government agencies. It advocates for improved roads and other infrastructure to develop and encourage safe walking,

cycling and other AT opportunities for both Nova Scotians & visitors: Resolved that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) call on the Government of Canada to develop and implement a National Active Transportation (AT) Policy that would:

▪ Improve transportation statistics collected by the federal government to assist municipalities more accurately measure mode share and report on progress on local AT strategies;

▪ Conduct research on the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling and walking in order to better understand the benefits and the opportunities and inform local policies;

▪ Develop and publish AT policy and infrastructure design guidelines for adoption at the provincial/territorial and municipal level;

▪ Coordinate the roles and responsibilities of relevant federal departments and agencies; and

▪ Ensure continued long-term federal investment in AT infrastructure.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities Offered a Pilot Project Grant (June 14, 2018): Transportation networks & commuting options which funded pilot projects that reduced pollution in communities by improving transportation systems & networks, encouraging people to switch to less polluting transportation options. This helped Canadian cities & communities (All sizes) reduce energy consumption & greenhouse gas emissions & improve air quality. The pilot project assessed technology or other solutions in real-life conditions. They evaluated either a small-scale version of a project or a full-scale, replicable version. The grant focused on Reducing the number of vehicles on the road, the number of kms they travelled, or the amount of time they spent transporting people or goods; Get people to use their vehicles more efficiently or switch to less polluting forms of transportation (i.e., a modal shift to public transit, walking, or cycling); We fund pilot projects that examine either the financial performance of environmentally proven initiatives, or the financial or environmental performance of a new initiative. Pilot assessed a project's social benefits (Better health for local residents, job creation, youth engagement, whether people will use it). Initiatives piloted: Ridesharing & ride hailing programs, Last-mile solutions, Bike paths, bike sharing, Connecting commuters to park-and-ride facilities, evaluating active transportation infrastructure (e.g., bike lanes), Walking and cycling networks that promote accessibility and safety

Overall, closing the gaps and achieving the resulting benefits requires coordinated planning and commitment from all levels of government. The capacity of the Federal Government in areas including coordination, policy development, education, marketing, investment and goal setting are keys leading to success.

Recommendations for the Government of Canada:

Work with provincial & territorial governments, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Assembly of First Nations and additional stakeholders to develop a coordinated, evidence-based action plan tailored to maximizing current and future investments in cycling by all levels of government.

The Government of Canada will give consideration to (Please see the attached) establish a national-level forum, support sector capacity, create a dedicated federal infrastructure fund, set achievable evidence-based five and ten year transportation mode share targets and direct Sts Canada to collect data.

Federal Actions for Cycling (Please see the attached) include low carbon transportation and goods movement; public health; road and vehicle safety and design; new infrastructure and brownfield urban renewal; tourism and small business; stats Canada data collecting and analyzing; federal property; public service of Canada; and indigenous services

It was a pleasure to represent Velo cape Breton at the 2nd Annual National Cycling Summit, inspiring me as a Board Member and also in my position as a Municipal Physical Activity Coordinator.

Thank you for your continued support and financial contribution in making this possible.

Respectfully submitted,

____________Vince ForrestallVice-PresidentVelo Cape Breton Association