Media Advisory: Research Report Sheds Light on Inequities of Metro Vancouver's Cycling Network and its Impact on Affordability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Report Link: bikehub.ca/equityreport
July 11, 2023 - Shared, unceded, ancestral territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim speaking xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Vancouver)
A new report examining equity in Metro Vancouver's cycling network has been released, revealing key insights into the accessibility of Metro Vancouver’s transportation infrastructure. "Pedaling Towards Equity: Analyzing Transportation Access in Metro Vancouver’s Cycling Network" by HUB Cycling highlights the importance of creating a more equitable and sustainable transportation system for all communities.
Affordability is a major issue in Metro Vancouver, and many people are experiencing increasing financial strain. The rising inflation and gas prices are adding to the already high cost of living and placing a heavy burden on individuals. A significant portion of households in Metro Vancouver allocates a staggering 70 percent of their income solely to housing and transportation. To enhance people’s quality of life, it is crucial to prioritize affordable transportation alternatives.
"Our report emphasizes the significant potential of cycling to help bridge the transportation gap and advance social equity," says Erin O’Melinn, Executive Director of HUB Cycling. "Not only does cycling offer affordability, improved health, and community cohesion, but it also contributes to climate mitigation efforts, making it a multifaceted solution with far-reaching benefits."
The report includes the following six recommendations for regional transportation planners and decision-makers to expand the best quality cycling infrastructure into the most equity-deserving neighborhoods:
- Adopt an equity-informed design approach.
- Define equity scores and prioritize underserved areas.
- Develop and build a safe, comfortable, and equitable regional cycling network while improving access to transit for underserved areas.
- Engage and empower vulnerable populations.
- Incorporate UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) in active transportation planning.
- Monitor and evaluate equity outcomes.
The findings of this study are a call to action for transportation planners, regional agencies, and the province to prioritize equity considerations in their active transportation planning efforts.
Rowan Burdge, Provincial Director of BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, acknowledges the importance of this issue. “Given the income inequality divide and affordability crisis that currently impacts many individuals and families in Metro Vancouver, centering equity-deserving groups in transportation planning is critical. This report puts forth excellent recommendations on how to do so, that decision-makers, planners, and other transportation stakeholders need to consider and adopt. From a poverty-reduction standpoint, building public systems and infrastructures that center the living experiences of marginalized groups and address existing disparities is essential.”
Key findings from the report include differences in access to safe and comfortable cycling infrastructure, particularly affecting marginalized communities such as racialized groups, low-income individuals, women, and Indigenous populations. The report also highlights the need to develop a comprehensive regional cycling network that prioritizes underserved areas and integrates cycling infrastructure with existing transit systems.
The release of this report marks a step toward addressing transportation equity and affordability in the region. It lays the foundation for ongoing collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders to create tangible and lasting change.
To access more details, including the full report, "Pedaling Towards Equity: Analyzing Transportation Access in Metro Vancouver’s Cycling Network," visit bikehub.ca/equityreport.
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