A local group is hoping to see more of an effort to encourage and support active transportation in Nelson. The West Kootenay Cycling Coalition presented some of their ideas to City Council this week. Coalition chair, Anna Lamb-Yorski, explains why their efforts came about.
“It came to our attention last fall that the City of Nelson has this great plan at their disposal called the Active Transportation Plan which was written in 2010 but it hasn’t really been paid any attention since then.”
Part of their suggestions to council were to update the plan and apply for some infrastructural funding through Bike BC next year. Lamb-Yorski says their hope is to see a designated cycling route with snow clearance and shoulder sweeping. Also, there’s a contest this spring called the ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge which will award Canada’s Most Active Community with $150,000.
Some of the larger benefits of active transportation are to health, safety and the environment. Another reasoning for support provided the by coalition is the popularity of electric bikes, which has been on the rise world ride. Looking at the numbers for Nelson, over 118 were sold last year.
Their end goal is to get more people involved and make it safer on the roads.
“Just galvanizing people that do use active transport. We are a cycling coalition but we also promote other forms of active transport. There isn’t really an organization where they can all come together and advocate, so that’s sort of what we’re trying to create. To improve conditions and to get more people on board who are hesitant because it’s not safe or easy.”
The coalition has met with City staff to discuss their goals and Lamb-Yorski says they seem interested in working together.