Mobilizing Business Communities to Support Safe Cycling Infrastructure
In 2015 the Heart and Stroke Foundation 'Spark' funded project built on an established partnership with Cycle Toronto and prior success engaging formerly skeptical Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) to advocate for bicycle infrastructure in their local communities.
Increased cycling has demonstrated positive effects on local businesses through increased sales, increased commercial property value and decreased commercial vacancy rates. However, businesses are often opposed to cycling infrastructure if it limits on-street parking, and have been critical voices limiting bike lanes and cycling for transportation. Current research shows that for dense urban environments in Toronto, most customers do not drive to shop and on-street parking is underutilized and/or competes with off-street parking. Education and engagement on positive economic impacts of cycling has been proven to create business support for local cycling measures, as has been demonstrated with the Eglinton Connects study.
Our work on this project looked to acheive success across the city with the help of Cycle Toronto’s local ward groups. Through training, facilitation and egagement, our work supported advocacy efforts across the city with proven strategies to engage business communities. By enlisting additional BIAs through these efforts we are helping to increase the diversity of community voices advocating for safe cycling infrastructure and facilitate future installation, thereby removing barriers to active healthy transportation options across the city.
Increased cycling has demonstrated positive effects on local businesses through increased sales, increased commercial property value and decreased commercial vacancy rates. However, businesses are often opposed to cycling infrastructure if it limits on-street parking, and have been critical voices limiting bike lanes and cycling for transportation. Current research shows that for dense urban environments in Toronto, most customers do not drive to shop and on-street parking is underutilized and/or competes with off-street parking. Education and engagement on positive economic impacts of cycling has been proven to create business support for local cycling measures, as has been demonstrated with the Eglinton Connects study.
Our work on this project looked to acheive success across the city with the help of Cycle Toronto’s local ward groups. Through training, facilitation and egagement, our work supported advocacy efforts across the city with proven strategies to engage business communities. By enlisting additional BIAs through these efforts we are helping to increase the diversity of community voices advocating for safe cycling infrastructure and facilitate future installation, thereby removing barriers to active healthy transportation options across the city.
