For immediate release: June 19, 2018
Toronto, ON – Today, The Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT), in partnership with 8 80 Cities, Cycle Toronto, Friends and Families for Safe Streets and Walk Toronto, launched #BuildTheVisionTO: Safe and Active Streets for All, a set of 15 municipal election priorities for building streets where people of all ages and abilities can get around actively, sustainably and safely.
A survey will be distributed today to all of Toronto’s mayoral and city council candidates, to gauge their support for the 15 priority actions within seven themes. These priorities will improve road safety, increase physical activity, and build safe and active streets for all. Responses will be published on TCAT’s website a month before the municipal election on October 22, 2018.
Road safety remains a pressing issue in Toronto. 18 pedestrians and four cyclists have died so far in 2018, putting the city on pace for one of its deadliest years for pedestrian and cyclist deaths.
Evidence-based Vision Zero initiatives in cities like New York City and San Francisco, such as reducing speed limits, implementing traffic calming measures, and building protected bike lanes, are proven solutions to improve road safety, encourage active transportation, and reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries.
QUOTES
“By asking Toronto’s municipal candidates about their support for safe and active streets, #BuildTheVisionTO will help voters make informed choices this election. The 15 survey questions outline specific, concrete steps that can be taken to get more people walking and cycling and to improve street safety in Toronto.” Nancy Smith Lea, Director, The Centre for Active Transportation
“For too long our streets in Toronto have been measured using one priority- the movement of cars. We must break free of this thinking. Our streets belong to all of us, no matter your age, ability or socioeconomic status, they should be safe and active places that improve our quality of life, not places where lives are taken away.” Amanda O’Rourke, Executive Director, 8 80 Cities
“We are dismayed at the numbers of people injured and killed while biking and walking. It’s time for swift and bold action on street safety in Toronto. Our coalition’s #BuildTheVisionTO survey will give residents a tool to evaluate councillor and mayoral candidates on their commitment to transforming our streets in the name of safe and active travel for all.” Liz Sutherland, Director of Advocacy & Government Relations, Cycle Toronto
“Everyone, regardless of age or ability, should feel safe to cross the street and get around our city. Pedestrians’ and cyclists’ deaths are preventable and unacceptable. #BuildTheVisionTO will provide information for voters to assess if those who aspire to lead our City are committed to make road safety their priority and to protect the lives of vulnerable road users.” Daniella Levy-Pinto, Spokesperson, Walk Toronto
QUICK FACTS
• The #BuildTheVisionTO campaign is being launched by The Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT), in partnership with 8 80 Cities, Cycle Toronto, Friends and Families for Safe Streets, and Walk Toronto.
• TCAT was formed in 2006 and is now a non-partisan project of the registered charity Clean Air Partnership. TCAT advances knowledge and evidence to build support for safe and inclusive streets for walking and cycling in Toronto.
• This is the fourth municipal election survey issued by TCAT. Other surveys and responses were published in 2006, 2010, and 2014 and are available on the TCAT website.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
• #BuildTheVisionTO Call to Action