Polling data recently released by Share the Road Cycling Coalition shows some of the habits of Ontarians who cycle, want to cycle more, and support for investment into cycling infrastructure.
Some of the data collected in the poll and highlighted by Share the Road Cycling showed 68 per cent of Ontarians, which is 9.8 million people ride their bike at least monthly. About 22 per cent of Ontarians say they ride a bike daily or almost daily, and 46 per cent say they ride weekly or monthly.
More information collected in the poll shows cyclists are also often motorists:
- Ontarians are both cyclists and drivers: 87 per cent of Ontario’s 3.2 million frequent cyclists say they also drive frequently, while 85 per cent of Ontario’s 9.8 million occasional cyclists say this is the case.
- The top two reasons for cycling are recreation, with 72 per cent of individuals cycling for this purpose, and exercise, with 65 per cent using bicycles for this activity.
- Shopping and running errands are the reason 16 per cent of Ontarians cycle occasionally (33 per cent for frequent cyclists), with visiting friends also at 16 per cent (34 per cent for frequent cyclists).
- Commuting to work and school is the choice of 11 per cent of occasional cyclists, with frequent cyclists at 20 per cent.
- 8.5 million Ontario residents (59 per cent) live in a Bicycle Friendly Community, as designated by Share the Road's Bicycle Friendly Communities program
The data was brought forward at the 15th annual Ontario Bike Summit, and based on a poll by Crestview Strategies out of Toronto. The representative group was 1,000 adult Ontario residents who responded between April 19 and 22. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 per cent. '
Share the Road Cycling Coalition's board chair, Ed McMahon, said the data from the poll is confirming something the coalition believed all along, that "Ontarians are cyclists and that they want to cycle more often."
"The fact that the data shows that Ontarians are both motorists and cyclists, points to the fact that a false narrative has developed, and that somehow cycling is a divisive issue," said McMahon in a news release. "This is simply not the case. With Ontario motorists also cycling regularly there is a clear imperative that we all focus on making our roads and our communities safer with investments that will save lives – and lessen congestion."
According to messaging from Share the Road, the polling shows a demand for more cycling infrastructure:
- A majority (51 per cent) want to cycle more often with 70 per cent of regular cyclists and 58 per cent of occasional cyclists indicating this preference.
- A majority of Ontarians, 65 per cent, expressed their desire to cycle more if there were improved cycling infrastructure.
- The biggest obstacle to cycling more is fear at 48 per cent.
- 61 per cent of respondents stated that they would feel more comfortable cycling if their area had well-connected and safe cycling infrastructure.
- 56 per cent of Ontarians agree that “Where I live, cyclists need more bike lanes or paved shoulders”
McMahon said this support indicated by the polling results is a "powerful statement" that the coalition will use to assist in its ongoing work with local and provincial governments to push for enhanced infrastructure and programs to improve cycling and road safety.
Share the Road argues the poll results show strong support for action from the provincial government to support cycling.
- 66 per cent of Ontarians believe that their government should allocate funds towards cycling infrastructure in order to make cycling a safer and more convenient mode of transportation.
- 65 per cent of respondents felt that such investments would benefit cyclists and motorists
- 57 per cent Ontarians see a need for a dedicated active transportation fund by the provincial government.
- 68 per cent support investments in cycling and bike paths.
- 61 per cent support investments in a new cycling education program that will offer cycling education options to Ontarians of all ages.
- 77 per cent are in favor of investment streams that prioritize pedestrian infrastructure.
- There is strong support, with 92 per cent of Ontarians in favour of plans that promote walking and cycling to schools.
Poll questions dived into the respondents calls for more support for cycling, asking specifically if that support would be worth financial investment in the form of built infrastructure and tax incentives. This is what they found:
- 72 per cent believe investing in proper cycling infrastructure makes it safer for all road users.
- 65 per cent say “investing in cycling is good for my municipality”.
- 58 per cent agree that investing in cycling is good for their city’s business and tourism.
- 55 per cent agree there should be tax breaks and incentives to offset the cost of purchasing a new bicycle or e-bike.
- In terms of voting intentions 42 per cent say they would be more likely to vote for a local or provincial candidate if they make a strong public commitment to road safety and cycling infrastructure funding.
- When it comes to contributions to taxes that fund transportation infrastructure 54 per cent of Ontarians agree that cyclists are contributors, and pay taxes (e.g., through property taxes, sales taxes on bikes).
About the Share the Road Cycling Coalition
The Share the Road Cycling Coalition is Ontario’s cycling advocacy and policy organization created to unite cycling organizations from across the province, work with and on behalf of municipalities to enhance their ability to make their communities more bicycle- friendly and advocate for investment and engagement by provincial and municipal governments. Core to the organization’s mission and mandate are safety, education and awareness campaigns.