Canadian government urged to invest more in shared micromobility
Comments Off on Canadian government urged to invest more in shared micromobilitySource: NABSA
Ahead of Canada’s next budget, the North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA) has submitted a pre-budget brief to its government, which urges for federal investment in shared micromobility. It’s also calling for explicit program eligibility language to unlock funding for bike and scooter sharing systems across the country.
To improve the facilitation of shared micromobility in the region, NABSA recommends:
- The government allocates $500 million over five years towards a renewed and expanded Active Transportation Fund, with a program framework which explicitly includes shared micromobility infrastructure, rolling stock, operations, and eligible investment planning;
- The Build Strong Communities Fund (or any successor to the active transportation funding stream) explicitly names shared micromobility, including bike and scooter sharing infrastructure, rolling stock, and operations, as eligible uses.
The growth of shared micromobility demand and its benefits in Canada
As shared micromobility has an integral role in Canada’s transportation ecosystem, NABSA has highlighted that it should be included in federal policy. In 2024, it was reported that 27 million trips were taken by Canadians on shared bikes and scooters, a substantial increase of 213% since 2020, thanks to a fleet of 37,000 shared vehicles in 52 cities.
In terms of the significant benefits to Canadian communities and the environment, NABSA has published findings from its 2024 data including:
- Approximately 46 million kilograms of CO2 emissions were cancelled out from replacing cars with shared micromobility in North America
- 35% of shared micromobility trips replaced a car trip
- 25% replaced a taxi or rideshare journey.
- 66% of all shared micromobility trips used electric models
- 72% of bike sharing systems include e-bikes
NABSA reports that shared micromobility has been made more accessible for Canadians with:
- 92% of systems offering discount programs
- 75% having policies on geographic distribution which have been created to help underserved neighbourhoods.
- 46% of systems having adaptive vehicle offerings to serve riders with disabilities
- 74% of riders having used shared micromobility to connect to public transport
NABSA summarises the importance of increased funding for the sector by outlining that micromobility in Canada helps citizens to replace car journeys, connect to public transport, exercise and have access to affordable mobility.
NABSA emphasises that as shared micromobility is an integral part of Canada’s transportation, its funding should be renewed and expanded, and should be explicitly included in all relevant programmes as an eligible investment to supporting Canada on climate change, equity and transportation connectivity.