Advancing active transportation path construction in Kamloops….
by Arjun Singh
Advancing active transportation path construction in Kamloops….
I initially framed this motion with a cycling focus. Actually, our active transportation paths in Kamloops should also accommodate walkers and people with different mobility challenges.
I am excited that this will come up for discussion at council at our first meeting in 2021, on Jan 12th.
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Presented by Councillor Singh
Notice of Motion for January 12, 2021
2021 Year of the Cyclist
WHEREAS Council set a goal to reduce community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2050;
AND WHEREAS Kamloops’ community transportation accounts for 66% of the City’s GHG emissions;
AND WHEREAS the high and medium priorities in the City’s Transportation Master Plan will take 20 years to complete based on current Active Transportation budget allotment;
AND WHEREAS cycling reduces GHG emissions, is more cost effective, and has enormous benefits in providing social determinants to health;
AND WHEREAS the introduction and availability of electric bicycles have impacted active transportation in terms of offering a viable commuting option;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council:
- declare 2021 as the ‘Year of the Cyclist’;
- direct Administration to present budget options, as well as address operational costs, to accomplish the high and medium priorities in the City’s Transportation Master Plan in five years;
- consider initiating a community fundraising campaign for active transportation infrastructure similar to the River’s Trail project;
- where grant programs include active transportation infrastructure projects, direct Administration to prioritize applications for these funding sources; and
- direct Administration to prepare a report to Council on incentivizing the use of electric bicycles and creating a campaign to educate the community on safe transportation etiquette.
Arjun Singh
Arjun is a trained facilitator and is currently co-chair of the Canadian Community for Dialogue and Deliberation.
Arjun was born and raised in Kamloops. His parents, Dr Gur and Mrs Manju Singh, immigrated to Canada from India in the 1960s. He previously served on council from 2005-2008. He has a MA in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University and a Certificate in Dialogue, Deliberation, and Public Engagement from Fielding Graduate University.
Arjun welcomes your questions or feedback on any community issue or initiative.
Since 2005, he has written a blog for Kamloops citizens and people interested in Kamloops – www.yourkamloops.com.
You can also find Arjun on twitter at @yourkamloops or @arjunsingh.
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