The State of Cycling Infrastructure in Canada

Abstract

This policy brief summarizes the research paper “Moving Healthy Cities Forward: The State of Cycling Infrastructure in Canada,” originally written by Daniel Fuller, Meghan Winters, Yan Kestens, Hiroshi Mamiya, Meridith Sones, Benoît Thierry, and Zoé Poirier Stephens and published by the School of Cities as part of the Canada’s Urban Infrastructure Deficit report. The brief examines cycling infrastructure in four Canadian cities — Victoria, Vancouver, Montreal, and Saskatoon — highlighting significant inequities in access among different population groups. Using census data and a national classification system, the study finds that children and older adults, especially in suburban areas, face the greatest barriers to safe cycling. The brief emphasizes the need for integrated, equity-focused planning and recommends cross-sector partnerships, improved data collection, and targeted investments to address these gaps.