Bicycle Sales Tax Exemption

This is one way to support bike commuting and bike use.

Ontario consumers will benefit from a Retail Sales Tax (RST) exemption on the purchase of qualifying bicycles, bicycle helmets and related safety equipment, announced Minister of Health Promotion, Margarett Best.

I wonder how effective it is? Are people buying bikes, helmets, lights etc... who otherwise wouldn't (which would be good) or are people who would've bought anyway deferring their purchases until the tax free window (which would be bad)? Interesting that it's a health initiative and not a transportation initiative.

Comments

[Jack]

Would there be a sales tax exemption on a $4K custom road bike? On top-grade Campagnolo gear? I hope so! But that doesn't seem to fit the purpose.