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Eleanor McMahon of the Simcoe Muskoka Active Transportation Group provided a presentation on the Share the Road Cycling Coalition and the Simcoe-Muskoka Active Transportation Symposium to be held November 13 and 14, 2014 in Orillia.
Ms. McMahon discussed the mandate and purpose of the Coalition indicating that it is a provincial bicycling advocacy and policy organization that works with agencies, including but not limited to, all three levels of government, public health, law enforcement, business and tourism officials. She indicated that the Coalition has partnered with a number of organizations to promote the benefits of cycling to communities across Ontario.
Ms. McMahon detailed Coalition's bicycle advocacy with the Provincial Government and the Ontario Bicycle Strategy indicating that the first policy update in 21 years was released on August 30, 2013. She also highlighted the five strategic directions contained within the Strategy and next steps in promoting their vision of Ontario being the most bicycle friendly province in Canada.
Ms. McMahon also detailed the vision and mission of Ontario CAN!, an Ontario Cycling Advocacy Network, indicating that the primary focus of the group is to improve road safety in Ontario and getting more people on bicycles by increasing provincial and municipal support for cycling infrastructure, education and awareness. She highlighted the findings of a public opinion survey conducted by Ontario CAN! including an increased interest and support for cycling, government promotion, and need for more infrastructure to support cycling.
Ms. McMahon discussed the Bicycle Friendly Communities Program highlighting the purpose of the initiative, sponsors and benefits of the program and the 5 E's of cycling. She provided details on the application process and associated award levels.
In closing, Ms. McMahon observed that the Simcoe-Muskoka Active Transportation Symposium is to be held November 13 and 14 in Orillia and det...
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