CNW Media Release: Two-thirds of Montrealers support carbon tax to fund cycling infrastructure

Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) today released the results of a survey, showing that an overwhelming majority of Montrealers (82%) believe that using bikes to commute to work can be an effective way to reduce greenhouse gases and fight climate change. The survey, conducted by Angus Reid Strategies on behalf of MEC, also revealed that nine-in-ten Montrealers support the expansion of the city’s infrastructure to encourage bike usage in and around the city and a majority of Montrealers (55%) believe this infrastructure should be the City of Montreal’s responsibility.In fact, more than half of Montrealers (57%), including citizens of Laval and the South Shore, claim they would bike to work if bike paths leading to and within the city were developed.

“The results of this survey send a message to those involved in helping shape Montreal’s urban development. The findings support our goal to encourage individuals to increase their level of active or self-propelled transportation, which includes walking and/or biking. An infrastructure that will encourage Montrealers to participate in active transportation is something we are willing to help create,” says Peter Robinson, CEO of MEC.

In order to expand the cycling infrastructure in Montreal, 66% of respondents are in favour of a special tax related to the carbon emissions of vehicles. This option was preferred over levying taxes on individuals who commute downtown alone in their car (51%) and levying special taxes on parking fees (39%). MEC, a Canadian co-operative, has 160,000 members in the greater Montreal area and 350,000 members in the province of Quebec.