Last week at a news conference , Premier Doug Ford confirmed that his government is considering a province-wide ban on bike lanes where their installation would require removal of a vehicle lane. This proposal may be good populist politics. The topic of bike lanes is contentious. It often elicits visceral negative reactions, from business owners who see them as a threat to commerce, from neighbourhood groups who see them as a threat to what they believe is their God-given right to on street parking and, from drivers in general, who see bike lanes as a loss of their allocated road space and an addition of complexity to their already mentally and emotionally challenging commute. Yet the installation of bike lanes, as part of a broader vision for allowing more choice in how we travel, is a potential antidote for many of today’s environmental, social and economic challenges.
Continue reading “Province considers bike lane ban”Have Your Say on Brampton’s Mobility Plan
The City of Brampton is updating the current 2015 Transportation Master Plan. The revised Mobility Plan will guide City investment in transportation infrastructure over the coming years. The Plan will move the City towards the 2040 Vision to be “a mosaic of safe, integrated transportation choices and new modes, contributing to civic sustainability, and emphasizing walking, cycling, and transit.”
Did You Know?
- Transportation trips in Brampton nearly doubled from 1996 to 2015 from 480,000 to 880,000,
- Travel to and from work represents 64.8% of all travel trips in the City,
- 78% of Brampton’s transportation trips end in either Brampton or Mississauga. Only 22% travel outside of Peel Region!
- For work only trips 62% end in either Brampton or Mississauga while only 38% travel to areas outside of Peel Region.
- Currently 86% of travel trips are made by personal vehicle, (car, SUV, pick-up, etc), while only 14% use walking, cycling or transit.
- 48% (426,000) of these trips are short trips of less than 5 kilometers. Only 13% of these short trips are made by active modes, (walking, cycling).
- Only 1% of trips between 3 and 5 kilometers are made by active modes.
- A 5km bike ride takes less than 20 minutes.
- Shifting even a portion of these short trips to active modes could take about 100,000 cars off the roads in Brampton each day. Imagine what that would do for pollution and traffic congestion!
Source: 2016 Transportation Tomorrow Survey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_1kC3WTsHU
BEA participates in fall Ecofest event
On Saturday September 14th, the BEA participated in a fall Ecofest event in support of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority. Organized by Unifor’s GTA West Environmental Council, the event boasted food, live music, kids games, and local beer supplied by Goodlot Brewery. All proceeds from the beer sales as well as a silent auction went to supporting the Credit Valley Foundation.
Continue reading “BEA participates in fall Ecofest event”Fall 2024 Upcoming Environmental Events
From advocacy campaigns to pollinator garden stewardship, there’s lots of environmental events this fall in Brampton to keep you informed and engaged.
Come visit the BEA table at this Saturday’s Ecofest, organized by Unifor in support of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority.
Participate in planting and stewardship events at Dearbourne Park this week and next week.
Get a free tree, courtesy of the City of Brampton this Saturday at Norton Place Park.
Learn how Emerald Energy from Waste’s proposal for a six times expansion of their Brampton waste burn facility will affect you by attending a seminar on Wednesday October 9th at Century Gardens Recreation Centre.
Celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Fletchers Creek Sustainable Neighbourhood Program at Fred Kein Park on Saturday October 5th. Or interact with local artist at the Catchbasin Art Project at Eastbourne Park on the same day.
All these events and more. Visit https://www.bramptonea.org/events/ for more information and to register.