Item - 2025.IE26.16

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Requested the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, in consultation with the Executive Director, Social Development, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in Second Quarter 2026 with an outline and cost estimate for a Toronto bike rebate program for low income youth.

Affordability and mobility are major concerns for young people in Toronto, especially for those living on a very low income. Cities around the world have had considerable success addressing both problems by assisting low income youth to acquire bicycles, typically with purchase rebates that can only be redeemed at local retailers. Now that Toronto provides timely winter maintenance of its growing network of bike lanes, bicycles can offer most youth a fast, convenient, year-round transportation option with almost no operating costs. International experience shows that having access to a bicycle can reduce financial and time stresses for young people, improves their health and enhances their access to education, to leisure activities and to jobs.

Philanthropic funding may be available to help fund a municipal rebate program in Toronto, if a realistic implementation plan is available