The Ontario Government announced today that they will remove the PST from bike helmets, other safety accessories, and bicycles that cost under $1000, starting December 1st.
McGuinty says:
"We want to encourage more Ontarians - young and young-at-heart - to get
outdoors, spend time riding bikes as a family and with friends, or to try
riding to work if possible, leaving the car at home. Together, we're building a culture of health and well-being across Ontario by encouraging more families to embrace active living."
Right on. I'm glad this is one election promise that the Liberals came through on. Now let's see those bike racks at Queen's park get all filled up!
More coverage at Canadian Press, City News, and the Globe & Mail.
Yes, that's Olivia Chow's bike at Parliament in Ottawa. Maybe the GST could be next?
Comments
Svend
I couldn't think of a blander idea
Fri, 11/09/2007 - 17:53I couldn't think of a blander idea, doing as little as possible for cycling. At least it's positive and won't deter anyone.
Removing the PST won't make a single person buy a bike or safety gear, they'll come to that decision for many other reasons.
Now how about doing something substantial that will really grab our attention, Dalton?
vic
It's a start...
Fri, 11/09/2007 - 19:14True, this isn't exactly earth-shattering, but it's a start.
Various levels of govt. have been doling out thousands of dollars to people who buy "green" or "efficient" motor vehicles, so it's about time cyclists got a bit of a financial break for even better transportation choices.
At least you can now put your PST savings towards getting a lock, some lights, etc.
The EnigManiac
A start, but meaningless
Fri, 11/09/2007 - 20:14While I appreciate the gesture by the provincial government, let's face it, it's just really a bonus for existing cyclists. A deserved bonus that should remain, but the exemption of the PST won't be any kind of a deciding factor for potential new cyclists. I've never heard of anyone who was considering parking the car or giving up their metropass for a bicycle complain that bike equipment was simply too expensive and it was cheaper to drive or take transit.
Think about it, buying a $5-600 bike and the necessary lights, horn and helmet (arguable) is the equivalent of about 7 months metropass. In other words, in one season the bike has paid for itself. It's also about the same amount of money a motorist spends in about 3 months. Cost is not a factor. But I have been a vocal advocate for the PST exemption anyway because it makes sense.
But if the government really wants to encourage more cycling and bike commuting, it needs to fund cycling infrastructure in urban areas, work with the city on creating congestion charges, instruct the police to clamp-down on motorists who intentionally o unintentionally endanger cyclists and educate motorists by making it mandatory for motorists to succesfully complete a brief quiz when renewing their license. The province could also come up with a reward system for those who have dramatically reduced their carbon footprint in the province. And the city needs to reward cyclists with property tax rebates. Safer roads, better motorists, improved relations with police and significant financial incentive will attract more cyclists, not the exemption of the PST.
chephy (not verified)
A step in the right direction...
Sat, 11/10/2007 - 19:01...but a kinda small hesitant step.
Safer roads, better motorists, improved relations with police and significant financial incentive will attract more cyclists, not the exemption of the PST.
Absolutely.