February 13/13 17:08 pm - Peel Region Releases Active Transportation Update (Ontario)

Posted by Editoress on 02/13/13
 

The Region of Peel engaged a variety of action items in the first year of implementing its Active Transportation Plan. Collaborating with the City of Mississauga, City of Brampton and Town of Caledon, the Region added 19 kilometres of sidewalks, multi-use trails and paved shoulders on arterial roads in 2012. An estimated 22 kilometres of new active transportation facilities will be added in 2013 to further enhance the walking and cycling experience for Peel’s residents.

“There is a clear link between the walkability of a community and the prevalence of obesity and diabetes,” said Dr. David Mowat, Medical Officer of Health. “Physically, we as individuals are not active in our daily lives because many of our neighbourhoods were designed and built for cars. It is important to design and improve our communities to make it easier to walk or bike to our destinations and give residents a realistic alternative to choosing the car every time.”

“We have been collaborating with the area municipalities and receiving constant input from the community to help shape our transportation network for the future,” said Damian Albanese, Director of Transportation. “We are improving policies with an eye on making communities more pedestrian and cycling friendly, increasing outreach effort to change behavior, and making infrastructure improvements.”

Highlights of progress and action since the Active Transportation Plan was adopted in February 2012:

• Completed 19 additional kilometres of sidewalks and multi-use trails. 22 more kilometres anticipated for 2013.

• Conducted a Global Positioning System (GPS) Cycling Study with local cyclists from July to September 2012 to identify popular routes, destinations and hazards to help shape network designs, infrastructure development, and policies (results expected in March or April of 2013).

• Held the Walk and Roll Peel Summit this past January with over 140 attendees to provide opportunities for stakeholders to learn about best practices and explore opportunities in working together to develop an active transportation community.

• Co-hosted a public forum with Mississauga to inform residents of active transportation programs and provide a platform for feedback. (Brampton and Caledon scheduled for mid-2013)

• Adopted Peel Public Health’s vision, “Changing Course: Creating Supportive Environments for Healthy Living in Peel” to drive active transportation initiatives.

• Initiated Peel School Travel Planning (STP) pilot program to engage students in active transportation travel to and from school. The objective is to establish STP in six to eight Peel schools by 2014.

• The Hanlan Water Project, a large and extensive watermain being constructed, will incorporate multi-use trails designed in collaboration with Mississauga and Peel along the construction route.

More details of the above and other initiatives can be found in the Council report

Peel’s Active Transportation Plan can be found Here