Toronto – Robert Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities announced a federal investment of $50,000 to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB Foundation) to support research into how raised cycle tracks at bus stops across Canada impact people with sight loss and developed recommendations for the construction of future raised cycle tracks in Canada.
CNIB conducted research into the existing guidance, as well as the benefits and barriers that the current raised cycle tracks at transit stops present for people with sight loss. The project also involved testing of the current raised cycle tracks by blind and partially sighted individuals. Based on the results, recommendations for the future installation of raised cycle tracks have been created to ensure future infrastructure is accessible to individuals with sight loss.
Funding announced today contributes to Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy by supporting activities that will help expand networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges. By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
“This investment is an important step in ensuring that infrastructure across Canada is designed in an inclusive manner. Having raised cycle tracks at bus stops across the country be accessible to people with all degrees of sight loss will ensure that existing barriers to an active lifestyle for Canadians are removed.” – Robert Oliphant, MP for Don Valley West, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities