In less than two weeks, Quebec's Finance Minister will deliver his budget speech. How will Quebecers' environmental message be heard? How will this budget turn intentions into concrete action? We're not the only ones asking these questions, of course.
As we've been doing for several years, we took advantage of the consultations leading up to this budget to remind the government of the importance of aligning all government policies to give greater impact to measures that will promote active mobility. We also stressed the importance of substantially increasing investment in active mobility. By 2020, Quebec's five largest cities will be investing nearly 30 M$ in cycling infrastructure, while the Quebec government will be spending around 20 M$.
In a speech delivered last fall at the Association des réseaux cyclables du Québec (ARCQ) convention, Transport Minister François Bonnardel expressed his wish for Quebec to become the «Copenhagen of Canada» - an image, of course. But for this wish to become a reality, we first need to release the sums promised since 2018 but not yet available to municipalities. Then, investments must certainly be increased. Based on the experience of states and countries that have made the switch to cycling, and taking into account the cost of the infrastructure that makes it possible to cross certain urban barriers (highways, railroads, waterways, etc.), we have been repeating for the past three years that the government should aim for investments of the order of 100 M$ per year, at least for a few years, to markedly change the face of Quebec's cities in favor of active mobility.
Finally, to exploit the full potential of the bicycle in its current form and in its electric version, we need to review the parameters of existing incentive programs, and even introduce new ones. Just think of the financial assistance of 500 $ under the Go green (currently for electric scooters), which should be extended to bicycles and electric-assist bicycles. Let's also think about the Transport green which should include a bike-cargo and electric-assist bike-cargo component to encourage the transport of small parcels in our city centers.
In the wake of the Sustainable mobility policy, We also propose the introduction of a tax-free mileage allowance program for work-related bicycle trips. In European countries where a bicycle mileage allowance program exists, such as Belgium (1997) and France (2016), this is a low-cost measure that makes a tangible contribution to encouraging active mobility. Other forms of tax deduction also exist in the Netherlands and Austria. We want to encourage cycling? Let's take a look at how the best do it!
In the context of the Climate emergency declaration recently proclaimed, the Quebec government must seize the opportunity presented by the upcoming budget and take action to promote concrete, logical measures to lead our society towards change and new ways of doing things.
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
