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Budget extends PST exemption on bikes and accessories to 2010 - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

Budget extends PST exemption on bikes and accessories to 2010

Mar 26th, 2008 2:47 PM

Media Release – For Immediate Release Ontario breaks for bikes Budget extends PST exemption on bikes and accessories to 2010 (Toronto, March 26, 2008) Ontario’s latest provincial budget features a two year extension of the tax holiday on bikes, introduced last December. Bikes that cost less than $1,000, bike helmets and select bike safety equipment are exempt from the Ontario Provincial Sales Tax (PST) until December 31, 2010. Pete Lilly, President of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC), praised the move as a sign of good things to come. ‘We’re thrilled that the province has reaffirmed its commitment to building a bike-friendly Ontario. The exemption will save consumers millions of dollars each year, encourage physical activity and ease traffic congestion.’ He went on to say: ‘It’s also a big win for our members – the independent bike shops that supported the tax break so enthusiastically. I’d like to congratulate them for ensuring the smooth implementation of this important public policy initiative.’ The announcement comes just as BTAC is preparing to host a Cycling Pavilion at the Toronto Green Living Show, April 25-27. Located in the Direct Energy Centre, the Pavilion will feature the latest bikes and related products for recreation and urban transportation. Participating manufacturers include Batavus, Norco, Opus, Specialized and Trek. Visitors to the Cycling Pavilion will learn what to look for in a new bike and where the best cycling destinations are. They’ll also hear about bike commuting, which is a burgeoning trend in Canada. BTAC hopes the information will help people take advantage of the extended tax exemption. ‘Everyone can benefit from cycling,’ Lilly added. ‘The more you ride, the stronger and healthier you get, the less pollution and greenhouses gases you generate, and the more fun you have.” -30- For more information, photos or to arrange an interview with Mr. Lilly, contact: Pete Lilly (Bicycle Trade Association of Canada), 416-533-4481, pete(at)sweetpetes.com Jonathan Laderoute (e|c|o media relations), 416-972-7401, laderoutej(at)huffstrategy.com The Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) is the national voice of cycling in Canada and the hub of the Canadian bicycle industry. BTAC advocates, builds partnerships, promotes trade and commerce and seeks to motivate, unit and inspire Canadians to make bicycling the pre-eminent form of transportation and recreation in Canada. See www.btac.org for more information. Quick Facts: Many of our car trips are for distances less than three kilometers - well within the range of an easy bike ride. In just 15 minutes, the average person can bike 3.5 km. Here are some other benefits to cycling to your destinations: Many of our car trips are for distances less than three kilometers - well within the range of an easy bike ride. In just 15 minutes, the average person can bike 3.5 km. Here are some other benefits to cycling to your destinations: • Get there quick! For trips of up to 10 km, cycling is usually the fastest way to travel within the city. • Save $$$. It costs about $200 per year to maintain a bike, plus an additional $300 for accessories - compared to $7,500 that the average Canadian pays to own a car. • Improve your health! 30 minutes of brisk cycling several times a week reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease, adult diabetes and obesity by as much as 50%. (The David Suzuki Foundation)