Meet 10C Changemaker: The Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation

The Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT) became a member of 10C as a way to connect with other community organizations in Guelph and grow their operations.

The support offered by 10C has been hugely beneficial to their work, most recently guiding them through a strategic planning session. They also make frequent use of meeting rooms, allowing them to host more committee members and have productive and professional board meetings.

GCAT is a changemaker because they are working towards a fundamental shift in how the community thinks about transportation and mobility. They envision a Guelph where the streets are not just for cars, but where walking and biking are safe, enjoyable, and convenient options for everyone. This is not just about providing alternative modes of transportation, but about creating a more livable, sustainable, and equitable city.

Their vision is of a Guelph where people of all ages and abilities can move around freely, without fear of traffic, pollution, or lack of accessibility. They want to see a city where children can bike to school, where seniors can walk to their local park, and where people with mobility limitations can access all parts of the city with ease.

They believe that this vision is not only possible, but necessary. By prioritizing active transportation, we can improve public health, reduce traffic congestion, and create a more vibrant local economy. They can also reduce carbon footprints, improve air quality, and make a city a more attractive place to live, work, and visit.

To achieve this vision, GCAT is working to create an active transportation network that is designated as essential transportation. This means that bike lanes, sidewalks, and trails will be designed and maintained with the same level of priority as roads. They will work to ensure that Guelph’s network is inviting, equitable, inclusive, and connected, so that everyone can use it safely and comfortably, regardless of their age, ability, or socioeconomic status.

GCAT also recognizes that this vision requires a fundamental shift in how we plan and design a city. We need to move away from a car-centric approach when planning, and towards a people-centric approach that prioritizes the needs of all users, not just drivers. This requires collaboration with city planners, engineers, policymakers, and community members to create a city that is designed for people, not just cars.

Come join GCAT on their mission as they Bike the Night, meet at Market Square on Saturday September 28, to register visit: https://gcat.ca/bike-the-night-2024/

Though their events are open to the public, becoming a member of GCAT helps support their events, advocacy work, and operations. Become a member today at: https://gcat.ca/get-involved/membership/