VICTORIA – Hundreds of cyclists rode to the B.C. legislature today to deliver petitions and stand with New Democrats in opposing the Harmonized Sales Tax.

“Cycling is one of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly modes of transportation around, but the HST will increase the cost of bicycles, parts and services by seven per cent, making it more difficult to get people out of their cars,” said Lana Popham , New Democrat MLA for Saanich South. “This is on top of the B.C. Liberals’ 66 per-cent cut to bicycle infrastructure spending in the last two years.Lana Popham

“At the very time we should be encouraging more cycling - for health reasons and to take action on climate change - the B.C. Liberals are taking us in the exact opposite direction. The new tax will also be a big blow for many small businesses, including cycling shops, that provide jobs and investment in our communities.”

Popham was joined at the rally by Carole James and other New Democrat MLAs, who vowed to do everything they can in the legislature to stop the HST.  Cyclists came from around the Capital region and Vancouver to join the rally in Victoria, while a simultaneous rally happened in Nanaimo.Carole James

“The overwhelming majority of British Columbians right across the province oppose the tax, and only seven B.C. Liberal MLAs would need to join the New Democrats in voting against HST legislation to stop it,” said Popham. “The B.C. Liberals tried to calm public anger by saying yesterday the revenue collected from the HST will go toward health services.

“It is an absurd, indefensible claim that shows how frantic the government is.”

Bicycles have been exempt from provincial sales tax in B.C. since 1981, an exemption which is slated to be scrapped on July 1 when the Liberals’ HST takes effect. The HST will also eliminate incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances and hybrid cars.

“British Columbians are right to feel betrayed and outraged after the B.C. Liberals went back on their election promise to not implement the HST,” said Popham. “When the HST vote happens, we will see which MLAs break that election promise and which support their constituents.”

Popham will present petitions in the legislature later today with signatures from thousands of people opposed to the HST on bicycles, parts and services.

Carole James and New Democrats are advocating for positive environmental solutions, including a Green Fund which would see $150 million a year of carbon tax revenue directed towards climate change solutions and transit improvements in communities across the province.

Carole James

Victoria-Beacon Hill

Carole has served as the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill since 2005.

Lana Popham

Saanich South

Lana Popham was elected as MLA for Saanich South on May 12, 2009. Lana serves as opposition critic for Agriculture.