A good time to get on a bike in Manitoba
The state is investing in infrastructure.
The federal government is investing CA$ 3 million at once in 19 Manitoba projects that will help residents stay active and healthy while being more environmentally friendly.
It is about financing the development of so-called active transportation. This includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, electric bicycles, roller skates, snowshoes, cross-country skis and more.
The funding was announced by Northern Territories Minister Dan Vandal. He listed specific locations in Winnipeg and La Broquerie where kilometers of dedicated cycling infrastructure will be built. Funds will also be used to conduct research for a cargo bike share program, develop a winter active transportation strategy and plan for a safe and sustainable crossing between urban trails.
An active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits:
- creating jobs for the middle class;
- strengthening the economy;
- promoting a healthier lifestyle;
- promoting equality among vulnerable Canadians;
- reduction of air and noise pollution;
- reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
These investments are part of Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy, which aims to create and improve conventional and bicycle pathways and pedestrian bridges across the country. Since 2015, the federal government has announced an unprecedented investment of more than CA$ 30 billion in thousands of projects in various communities across the country.