Over the past few weeks, I have received many e-mails and letters from concerned citizens following a tragic cyclist accident in October. I thank you for your e-mails and letters concerning cyclist safety in Ottawa and I very much appreciate you taking the time to voice your opinions with me on this important issue.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Krista Johnson and I wish to extend my most sincere sympathies to her friends and family. The tragic deaths of Krista Johnson on October 18, of Danielle Naçu in 2011, and of a 53-year old man in 2010 remind us of the lack of safe cycling infrastructure in Ottawa.

In May 2009, I hosted the Ottawa Cycling Summit to consult with community groups and residents of Ottawa Centre on their ideas for improving cycling in Ottawa. This event mobilized the community and led to the introduction of legislation in support of dedicated federal funds for cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. I encourage you to read the community’s suggestions for safer cycling as outlined in the Cycling Report, which can be accessed online here.

Following this summit, I have remained committed to improving the safety of all citizens on Ottawa’s roads. I have supported private members legislation which would have increased the federal government’s investment in cycling infrastructure and have attended a number of events with a number of community groups, including Citizens for Safe Cycling in Ottawa.

Though the National Capital Commission and the City of Ottawa have introduced some positive initiatives, it is clear that more needs to be done by all levels of government to protect cyclists in Ottawa. Building, maintaining and promoting better cycling infrastructure in Ottawa would go a long way in protecting the environment and improving health, while requiring only modest investments in infrastructure.

I am concerned about the state of cyclist safety in Ottawa, and that is why I am participating in a Cycling Safety Town Hall from 12:00-13:30 on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at Carleton University. I invite you to join me at this meeting to discuss cycling issues at Carleton University and in the surrounding community. Please be assured that as your federal representative for Ottawa Centre, I am committed to working with the public to determine what improvements need to be made to transportation infrastructure in Ottawa to protect cyclists.

Again, thank you to all those who took the time to express their concerns about this important issue. I am pleased that we share a commitment to do all that we can to ensure that our cycling citizens are kept safe on the roads of Ottawa.

Please join us for our Cycling Safety Town Hall

12:00 – 13:30
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Porter Hall, 2nd Floor University Centre
Carleton University

All the best,

Paul Dewar, MP

Ottawa Centre