Ottawa’s plan to get out of the carbon emission cycle
Photo of a cyclist riding down O’Connor Street on dedicated bike infrastructure [Photo courtesy of Capital Current]
Trying to be environmentally conscious can often be difficult. For every stride we think we make, there’s another aspect of daily life that harms the environment. For many Canadians, simply going to work and/or school has negative effects on our local environment.
When driving a car, carbon dioxide from the exhaust seeps into the Earth’s atmosphere which blocks heat from escaping the planet’s surface. This is known as the greenhouse effect.
Driving a car is all that most Canadians have ever known, however there are many alternative options you can take. The city of Ottawa features a variety of green transportation options, including a rapidly growing cycling network.
Cycling infrastructure promotes the development of greenspaces across many communities within Ottawa. Cities across Canada, including Ottawa, have used these grade-separations as real estate for urban greenery such as bushes and trees.
Urban greenspaces help aid cities in filtering air pollutants, stormwater management and promotion of biodiversity. Greenspaces also contribute to proper mental health, as surrounding yourself in nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
José Albonoz, a member of the cycling activist group Bike Ottawa, says that the included greenspaces are an asset to the city’s street.
Photograph of José Albonoz [Photo courtesy of José Albonoz]
“Ottawa is a city with a lot of greenery, but only really outside of the city centre. Ottawa needs more greenery in urban settings,” says Albonoz. “Urban parks are fine, but they’re few and far between. Bike infrastructure in certain locations are included with plant bedding so the city can grow plants along the sides of streets.”
Dedicated cycling infrastructure allows for the community to continue their active lifestyle regardless of the time of year, including the winter season.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the city will commit to plowing bike lanes during winter in order to support the dedicated infrastructure.
“The city remains committed to ensuring that we have a comprehensive transportation network that meets the needs of all residents, including cyclists,” said Sutcliffe. “Bicycle lanes are an important part of our transportation infrastructure that we have been investing in for many years, and we will continue to do so.”
Many children wish for a bike when they’re younger. Whether it’s for Christmas, birthdays or any other special occasion, a bicycle has been at the top of any child’s list. Bike lanes in suburban communities allow for children to be more independent, as children aren’t legally allowed to drive a car.
Parents are often concerned with their children’s safety when they’re riding their bike alone.
According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), 74 Canadians die annually due to vehicle collisions when cycling. With the further development of dedicated cycling infrastructure, cycling has become much safer, especially for children.
Proper cycling infrastructure allows children to bike to their school, limiting the number of cars and school buses on the road, which lowers carbon emissions.
Cycling is a popular method of transportation amongst children, with school being a major destination. Because of growing demand due to the cycling network, many communities around Ottawa have started local groups to help get children into cycling.
School bike bus is a parent-led community initiative across canada dedicated to introducing young students to cycling
Hazel Crimon, who operates a school bike bus group in Old Ottawa South, says that cycling promotes youth individualism.
“Anyone under the age of 16 isn’t able to drive a car, so cycling allows children to be more independent,” says Crimon.
Living an environmentally conscious lifestyle can be challenging, but there are many green alternatives the Ottawa community can take. Cycling for transportation is quickly becoming a popular alternative for driving all across Canada, allowing Canadians to take back their environment.
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