The N.S. Cycling Summit, a partnership between Bicycle Nova Scotia, the Ecology Action Centre, Kieran Pathways, and Velo Cape Breton, was very inspiring. About 30 people participated in the event. After a welcome and introduction by Bob White and Susanna Fuller, Marc Panneton, the national cycling coordinator from Ministry of Transportation, Québec (MTQ), gave a presentation on the Route Verte. This network of over 4000 km of bicycle routes was developed by MTQ and municipalities since 1995 and will be officially inaugurated August 10, 2007. Dr. Richard Sparkman (Acadia University) provided solid figures on the financial benefits of cycling and active transportation. Laena Garrison (Ecology Action Centre) reported on cycling policy and progress in Nova Scotia. Dr. Chris Milburn (ADAPT) explained the health benefits of cycling for Nova Scotia. Cycling initiatives across the Province were presented: Doug Regular (CANbike courses), Jacques Coté (Velo Cape Breton), Pat MacDonnell (Pictou County Bikeways), Keith McCormick (Kieran Pathways initiative in the Valley), Dave Major (Route Enhancement Committee of the Aspotogan Peninsula). The presentations were followed by a discussion and the decision to develop a plan for cycling in Nova Scotia. (See BNS forum, Transportation/Commuting).