With planning underway for Sudbury’s new arena, now is the time to ensure this public project supports accessibility, safety and sustainability.
As a year-round cyclist who relies on my bike as a mobility aid, I’m calling on city council to include secure indoor bicycle parking in the arena’s final design.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) recognizes bicycles as legitimate mobility aids, especially for individuals with chronic pain, mobility limitations, or conditions that make walking difficult. Denying secure bike access isn’t just inconvenient — it’s exclusionary.
Sudbury winters and high rates of bike theft make outdoor racks a poor solution. Without secure indoor storage, cyclists risk losing their only means of transportation just to attend a game, concert, or event.
I’ve written to all 12 city councillors urging them to prioritize:
- A monitored indoor bike cage
- Lockers with digital or key-based access
- Or a system similar to car parking: free or low-cost with validation
If Sudbury is serious about climate action, inclusive design, and active transportation, we need infrastructure that reflects those goals — not just in downtown planning, but in every major project we build. The arena is a perfect opportunity to get it right.
Andrew Way
Greater Sudbury