The Velo NB Advocacy Chair was created in October 2015 in response to the rapidly growing movement of recreational cyclists on New Brunswick roadways in pursuit of healthy and active lifestyles. The goal is to assist in safer cycling environment for all New Brunswickers by:
- Safety awareness through education of cyclists and motorists, plus
- Modernized road vehicle laws in the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act (MVA).
The Chair is focused on improving the following areas:
- Promotion of safe and applicable (updated) cycling legislation (starting with Ellen’s Law) for New Brunswick roadways.
- Advocating for improved and safer cycling infrastructure including (but not limited to) bike lanes, road design, bike paths and bike parking using an integrated and holistic approach as a best practice on a provincial level.
- Public awareness specific to the positive health, economic and environmental benefits of recreational cycling.
The role of the Velo NB Advocacy Chair is to be the public voice for recreational cyclists in New Brunswick for both on and off-road venues. Educated and responsible New Brunswick cyclists are the advocates for their own safe cycling environment on New Brunswick roadways and promote their healthy lifestyles by example. We are stronger as a community of cyclists leading by example, working together to educate and improve the cycling culture in New Brunswick.
Since the creation of the Advocacy Chair in 2015, members and directors of Velo NB have been meeting with representatives of the Government of New Brunswick (MLAs and Directors) to advocate for modernizing and improvement of all issues affecting safe cycling and educated motorists in New Brunswick. Over the years these issues have been tabled and discussed but are not only limited to modernizing the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act which governs cycling legislation and penalties for distracted driving, we’ve also addressed to the Minister of Public Safety, are the seasonal Safe Cycling social media and advertising campaigns to educate motor vehicle drivers, cyclists and all active transportation participants on the rules of the road.
While progress has been developmentally slow, the New Brunswick government has started the legislative process to modernize laws and regulations governing cycling safety in the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act and continue to make improvements in legal Regulations.
Be an
educated
cyclist.
Be SMART,
Be SEEN,
Be SAFE.