How we choose to get around shapes our health, our communities and our local economy. However, sometimes people are left with only one viable option when it comes to getting to work or making it to an appointment - the car.
Active transportation refers to any form of human-powered travel, like walking, biking, wheeling, including public transit, that gets us where we need to go. It’s also about the sense of freedom that is possible when we can safely and easily walk, roll and/or take a bus to work, shopping, school and social activities.
One needn’t live in urban centres like Amsterdam or Copenhagen to enjoy such freedom of movement. Communities big and small around North America are taking steps to improve mobility for everyone, not just cars.
This article kicks off a year-long series on active transportation in the qathet region. Over the coming months, local authors will explore such topics as active transportation’s connection to our physical and mental health, how walking and rolling build great neighborhoods, the economic benefits for individuals and businesses, and how we can build safer streets and routes to schools for our children.
Active transportation is not just an urban planning buzzword. More and more people are using bicycles to get around qathet.
New multipurpose trails and the advent of e-bikes have especially enabled people of all ages and abilities to do their daily errands and activities without a car. However, there are gaps in our local infrastructure.
For example, bus connections and safe routes for biking on either end of our ferries and along our coast are inadequate for most people. Many parents are uncomfortable letting their children walk or bike to school or across town.
Accessible public spaces for people in wheelchairs are few and far between. Having safe and accessible options for traversing our public spaces shows we care about our community and each other.
This is especially important when it comes to kids. Every child deserves to feel safe on any street in qathet, not just near schools. A community that protects its most vulnerable members is a stronger, more connected one. That means designing our streets and pathways so parents don’t have to worry—and so children can build independence, confidence and healthy habits.
Throughout this series, qathet Regional Cycling Association will highlight stories, ideas and challenges around active transportation in our region. We’ll share voices from across qathet, including Indigenous knowledge holders, health professionals, educators and local residents.
The aim is not just to inform, but to spark conversation about what a more walkable, bike-friendly and transit-accessible region could look like, and how we can get there together.
One way to start could be to replace one car trip by hopping on a bike during GoByBike Week, May 31 to June 6. Join us with your bike in front of First Credit Union Tuesday to Thursday of that week from 7:30 to 9:30 am for coffee, snacks and a chance to win local prizes.
Whether you're an avid cyclist, a parent thinking about your child's route to school, or someone just curious about alternatives to driving, this series is for you.
Active transportation is about expanding our choices. It’s about creating public space and mobility that’s safe for everyone. Let’s take the first step together.
Chris Lightfoot is qathet Regional Cycling Association’s active transportation director.
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