Edmonton’s new Ten Year Active Transportation Strategy proposes that the city spend nearly $200 million over the next decade to improve its multi-use trails, sidewalks, on-street bike lanes and curb ramps. It’s an investment that is long overdue.

In the next two years alone, the money would enhance a city-wide grid of bike routes, 36 kms of marked on-street lanes along some corridors, and 9.3 kms of new multi-use trails. It would also construct 11.5 kms of new sidewalks in residential, commercial and industrial areas.

While 12% of all daily trips in Edmonton are made entirely by walking or cycling, the city spends just 1% of its transportation capital budget on what is called “active transportation.” The sad reality is that funding for non-vehicular transport just hasn’t kept pace with that for roads and automobile infrastructure, and the result is a city where it is often difficult or impossible to cycle or walk.

The city talks a great game with its stated commitment to active transportation. But the time has come to put the money where the mouth is, and not use tight economic times as a justification to scale back or delay the much needed work.

A report that is being discussed by councillors this month spins a sobering picture of a city where “sidewalks are physically absent on approximately 45% of Edmonton's roadways, with 260 km of sidewalks missing along transit routes in industrial areas alone.” Not only that but: “1,200 bus stops are not connected to the sidewalk network, and 10,000 intersection corners do not have curb ramps to assist those requiring mobility aids.”

Not so smart, and not so encouraging for people to get out of their cars. The report says that “signed and marked on-street bicycle facilities are almost non-existent in the city.”

Edmonton’s Bicycle Plan Update correctly identifies that, if the city builds the infrastructure, more people will cycle. The Statistics Canada report “Dependence on Cars in Urban Neighbourhoods” found that Edmonton is the city most dependent on private vehicles in Canada, with 77% of all trips being made by car.

The city’s low incidence of bicycle use is directly related to the high volume of automobiles on the road. "This indicates that promoting a more bike-friendly city through effective policy, education, and infrastructure will encourage more Edmontonians to choose cycling," the Edmonton Bicycle Plan Update states.

While only 1% of all trips in Edmonton are made by bicycles, the number of users has tripled since the city's 1994 Bicycle User Survey. More people cycling will make Edmonton a healthier city and reduce air and noise pollution, the update states. StatsCan reported in 2004 that a third of Edmontonians were overweight, and "urban obesity" has been identified as a growing concern.

While 90 per cent of bike injuries occur when a cyclist falls or runs into something, such as a pothole, post, pedestrian or another bike, collisions between bikes and automobiles have a greater potential for serious injury to the cyclist. Obviously, separating automobile and bicycle traffic is the most effective way to reduce such mishaps.

This summer in Edmonton, five cyclists have been killed or seriously injured. Infrastructure that is designed for cycling is also safer for cyclists.

One 2005 report, "Cycling Trends and Policies in Canadian Cities," by John Pucher and Ralph Buehler of Rutgers University, says cycling needs to be part of a sustainable approach to urban design. The report notes that if Canadian cities are truly committed to increasing cycling levels, they "will have to further expand cycling infrastructure, curb low-density sprawl and impose more restrictions on car use."

Councillor Don Iveson, an avid cyclist, is one of those leading the push for greater investment in active transportation infrastructure. He correctly points to other cities who are moving in the right direction, like Portland and Amsterdam.

As the Edmonton Bicycle Plan Update puts it: "Promoting cycling as a viable mode of transportation in Edmonton is important for its reputation and its economy. Endorsing Edmonton as a cycling destination comparable with some of the world's greatest cycling cities like Bogotá, Amsterdam, Davis (California), and Portland can attract tourists from afar, transforming Edmonton's global identity."

But for the rubber to hit the road, council has to show some foresight and make the decision to invest the money now, and not simply find excuses to push it off to another budget cycle. It all comes down to priorities. Cycle and walking infrastructure should be a priority in these tough times because, if for no other reason, it saves money today and down the road.