BC's Green Budget Neglects Cycling
BC Finance Minister Carole Taylor
People who thought that the BC government was considering cycling as a serious option after Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon rode to work on a mountain bike during last year's Bike to Work Week were likely disappointed by the budget just released by the province.
The Ministry of Transportation portion of the budget says that the government will "make cycling an easier choice through the implementation of new intersections, bike lanes and trails, expanded shoulders, and by leveraging our investment with partnering communities. This will include cycling infrastructure to allow bikes to cross the future new Port Mann Bridge."
However, nothing specific is promised, such as the amount that they will spend on bicycle infrastructure, the number and length of lanes, or the communities involved.
Last year in Ontario, that province removed the sales tax on bicycles costing $1,000 or less, bicycle helmets, and other bicycle safety equipment. Instead of reducing the sales taxes on bikes, the BC budget reduced the sales tax on fuel efficient vehicles (up to $2000).
When the Ontario government removed the taxes, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said "We want to encourage more Ontarians to get outdoors, spend time riding bikes as a family and with friends, or to try riding to work if possible, leaving the car at home. Together, we're building a culture of health and well-being across Ontario by encouraging more families to embrace active living."
One of the BC government's five "Great Goals" that they set to guide the work of ministries is to "lead the way in North America in healthy living and physical fitness." Taking concrete steps to make cycling an appealing option would have been an easy way to help achieve these goals.
On the BC government's web site that provides details of the budget, they list various "greener choices" that British Columbians can make, and the resulting annual savings. Among the tips are:
* Keep vehicle tuned up and tires properly inflated up so it runs at peak efficiency. - save more than $200.
* Drive 10 km less per week. - save more than $50
* Switch to a higher efficiency vehicle (from 12 L/100 km to 10 L/100 km). save more than $400.
A tip that I think should have been included: Walk, bike, and use public transit - save $5000 to $7000 *
(* based on figures from the Cooperative Auto Network).
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Cycling councilor
(for some reason this won't let me reply to previous entries in the blog so see previous post)
Peter Ladner may ride a bike to work, but that doesn't make up for his lackluster performance as a city councilor. This is the guy who supported widening Grandview highway so that it will match up with Falcon's proposed freeway expansion, and votes in support of big box store developments. His proposal to impove conditions for cyclists on Point Grey road has gone nowhere. On a more personal level, Ladner attended far fewer Bicycle advisory committee meetings than previous liaisons Fred Bass and Suzanne Anton who where both active and engaged committee members who faithfully attended meetings. His flip flopping on Burrard bridge is just one indication that Ladner doesn't have the courage or leadership skill to to be an effective mayor, let alone stick up for cyclists. On a really personal note Ladner was the guy who was writing Christmas cards rather than attending to the many committed citizens who came out to defend the proposed Burrard Bridge lane reallocation at the start of this last council term. Aside from transportation, we have a city with a horrific poverty, addiction and homlessness. We need politicians who do more than polish a council bench with their ass,we need courageous leadership. With all do respect, Ladner does not fit the bill.
someone correct me if I'm...
wrong, but isn't it true that BC has never charged sales tax on bicycles, bike accessories, bike parts or bike repair?
I remember never paying any tax at all, but then, along came the GST.
I'm going to be using my $100 green house cheque for new tires, brake blocks, chain and cogs.
A years free cycling!