Ontario unveils $4.9-million plan to expand Bike Share Toronto

Metrolinx and the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) are paving the way for cyclists with plans toexpand Bike Share Toronto.

The announcement attended today by Ontario'sTransportation Minister Steven Del Duca and Toronto's deputy mayorDenzil Minnan-Wongrevealed plans topurchase $4.9 million worth of bikes and docking stations to expand the existing network by more than double its current size.

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"We know that cycling generates a broad range of economic, environmental, health, social and other benefits, which helps build healthy, more active and prosperous communities," DelDuca said.

"This initiative supports #CycleON: Ontario's Cycling Strategy, which aims to encourage the growth of cycling and improve safety for cyclists across the province."

Easing urban congestion

Del Ducasays the investmentplan, which will be deployedby December 2016,is part of a "comprehensive approach" with training, bike sharing and infrastructureto get the province moving on bicycles.

"The expansion of Bike Share Toronto will provide residents with more accessible methods of getting around town, helping ease congestion on our already busy roadways," Minnan-Wongsaid.

Metrolinx says the new fleet will be set up near popular transit stations to give commuters the option to use bikes as part of their travel journey.

Bike sharing a 'global reality'

"A key component of our regional transportation plan is to get people moving and seamlessly connect them to transit,"said Metrolinx president and CEOBruceMcCuaig. "Bike sharing is an excellent example of this."

The TPA, which will hold the bikes and docking stations owned by Metrolinx, will follow the same operating formula which currently serves more than 4,000 active users.

"Bike sharing has become a global reality and we are delighted that our partnership withMetrolinxwill give moreTorontoniansthe opportunity to take advantage of Bike Share Toronto's benefits," said TPA board chair MichaelTziretas.

Ontario's cycling strategy

The province aims to make Ontario a haven for cyclists with its 20-year #CycleOnstrategy.

"As part of#CycleOnover the next three years, the province is also making a contribution of up to $15 millionto support cycling infrastructure at a provincial level," Del Duca told reporters.

Most of the expansion announced Monday will occur in Toronto as part of a two-year pilot program. The announcement follows last week's unveilingof $10 millionto help improve and build cycling infrastructure in municipalities.