No PST on bikes, promised Tory Leader Hugh McFadyen Sunday. Starting in April, 2008 - assuming the Tories form government - McFadyen will make all new bicycles PST-free in an effort to improve the environment and promote active lifestyles.

That will cost the government an estimated $2.4 million a year. Meanwhile, the Tories will boost bike path funding to the city of Winnipeg by another $3 million to help build more commuter paths and recreational trails.

A PST break has been a theme throughout the Tory campaign so far. First McFadyen pledged to cut the PST from 7 per cent to 6 per cent. Then he offered an additional three points off the PST for fuel efficient cars and SUVs. Now he's added bikes to the mix.

"We thought, if we're offering a PST rebate on fuel-efficient cars, we should go a step further and extend that to bicycles," said McFadyen at a campaign announcement Sunday at Gord's Ski and Cycle shop on Kenaston Boulevard.

Several years ago, when McFadyen was senior advisor to Mayor Sam Katz, the city abandoned a long-planned rapid transit line to the University of Winnipeg that would have included a commuter bike path connecting downtown and the campus.

McFadyen, who biked to the event, said he'd bike to work if there were showers at the Manitoba legislature, but he tries to cycle for fun when he can.

Adding it Up

PC - April 29 - $5.4 million - To build bike paths in the city and exempt new bikes from the PST.