Although the city itself is responsible for providing public cycling infrastructure, bike lanes alone won’t make Toronto safer for cyclists. Changing attitudes and focusing attention on the importance of cycling for health, the environment and as a way to reduce gridlock is also essential. Culture is as important as hardware and asphalt.
The
Metcalf Foundation has launched a
new grant program for charitable organizations working on cycling solutions. “This is brand new for us,” says Andre Vallillee, the foundation’s environment program director. “We expect we’ll be funding initiatives that include community outreach, network building and convening, research and policy analysis, as well as broader engagement initiatives. We want to ensure there are partners on the ground actively helping out as champions.”
Looking at a
survey that suggests that more 70 per cent of Torontonians would cycle more if the infrastructure was improved, the foundation decided it had to step in. “When we compare ourselves against other Canadian cities like Vancouver and Montreal, we feel we’ve got quite a bit of work to do to catch up to ensure the City of Toronto has access to a wide range of safe cycling options.”
Vallillee says the foundation is hoping to see cross-sectoral proposals, hopefully with non-traditional partners in public health, the environment and local economic development like Business Improvement Areas (BIAs). The amount of funding available depends on what gets pitched.
“There’s no cap or a requirement for a certain number of years. What we’re looking for is a work plan, goals and strategies. At that point we’ll get a better sense of what kind of resources are required,” he says.
The deadline for applications by registered charities is this week; funding decisions will be made by the end of March.
Writer: Paul Gallant
Source: Andre Vallillee