Vélo Québec launches the Mouvement vélosympathique - a certification program for communities (municipalities, boroughs and MRCs) and organizations (private and public). The program encourages them to make cycling a real transportation and leisure option for all. It offers them tools, a support service, an evaluation report to serve as an action plan, and recognizes their achievements by awarding them bronze, silver, gold or platinum certification.
The Bicycle Friendly Movement is inspired by the Bicycle Friendly America program created in 1980 in the United States by The League of American Bicyclists, and implemented in Ontario since 2010 by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition.
Recent examples show that where safe, functional cycling facilities are available, cyclists are quick to invade. As the saying goes, «If you build them, they will come». We believe that the development of active transportation depends on bicycle facilities, which is why we are proposing this certification system.
The first Bicympathy Awards will be presented in 2016.
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
