Bicycle Nova Scotia is excited to see the province recognize the role of active transportation as a climate change mitigation tool.
The new Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act (EGCCRA) includes goals to build infrastructure for active transportation in communities. This legislation, which replaces the Sustainable Development Goals Act (SDGA), was passed into law November 5, 2021. By next spring, a “Climate Plan for Green Growth” will be developed, which will spell out specific ways to implement the goals.
When the consultation started earlier this year, Bicycle Nova Scotia was asking for 5 things. While we are pleased that active transportation is explicitly mentioned, and that there is a focus on infrastructure, we are disappointed that no timeline has been put on completing the Blue Route. Additionally, while improving infrastructure is important, we won’t see any climate benefits unless people are using the infrastructure. A goal outlining mode share targets would be more appropriate. We hope that the Provincial Active Transportation Strategy will highlight the plan to achieve a mode share target of 10% journeys made by active transportation, and a timeline and budget for completing the Blue Route.
Let your MLA know that you support aggressive active transportation investment, to help mitigate climate change. Find your MLA here: https://nslegislature.ca/members/profiles