Ontario drops tax on most bikes

Ontario residents buying bike helmets and some bicycles won't have to pay provincial sales tax after Dec. 1.

Premier Dalton McGuinty says the province is lifting the PST on bike helmets and bicycles under $1,000 to encourage people to get active.

McGuinty says the tax exemption will encourage people to get outdoors.

He says he hopes more people will try commuting to work by bike instead of by car, thereby easing congestion on the roads.

Pete Lilly, owner of a Toronto bike shop, welcomes the tax break, saying it will be good for business.

The Liberals promised the tax exemption in their recent election platform.