Supporters Sound Off about Getting Around Town

Our most recent Quick Poll asks: How do you get to work? Almost 75% of the people who took the survey have chosen to travel to work in a way that reduces their greenhouse gas emissions and slows climate change. Although solo drivers make up the largest group of respondents, public transit and walking aren’t far behind, with cycling and carpooling being the least-favoured commuter options.
We also ask for your opinion on services for transit users, cyclists and pedestrians in your community. Overall, the responses are mixed, but even those who feel services are adequate in their areas believe that there is room for improvement:

“In Toronto, they do a fair job... but we can always use more bike lanes & paths, and less cars!”

“Yes, but not enough. Moncton needs to increase its bicycle paths and increase the efficiency of its public transit system.”

There are also apparent differences between rural and urban areas:

“I live in a suburban area of Ontario transit is not a priority here, walking is an activity and cyclists are few and far between.”

“Transit is great in Edmonton, average in Lethbridge. Cycling opportunities are great in both though.”

By far, the most comments speak to improving cycling infrastructure:

“Regina is weak on services for cyclists but is making improvements with dedicated cycle lanes.”

“In Winnipeg, we do not have enough services for cyclists. There are not enough paths and we are supposed to be on the road, however, drivers are not respectful of our safety and some stay much too close to cyclists for me to feel safe on the roads.”

If services for cyclists were better, would more people ride their bikes to work?

The greatest impediments to travel by transit seem to be time and cost:

“My job is 10 miles away; it takes me 3 buses and 1 hour and 45min. to get there. A car, 15 min. If the transit was better organized I would take the bus.”

“Transit is unaffordable in Vancouver (B.C). It costs more to get a 3 zone bus pass then it does for me to have car insurance and pay for gas.”

“The rapid transit system should have been more developed many years ago… Transit fares have also been steadily increasing, which is totally counterproductive. (Edmonton)”

However, this closing response should give us hope for the future of commuting:

“We gave up our car 10 years ago - however, where we live we have great access to transit but we feel that more bus lanes should be provided, more incentives to persuade the public to leave their vehicles at home!”

You can still share your thoughts on commuting with us! Vote today and tell us how you get to work.