Montréal, January 12, 2022 – Vélo Québec today unveils the names of the 3 communities, 8 organizations and 3 campuses recognized at the 11e certification round VELOSYMPATHIC movement. In total, since the program began, 32 communities and 82 organizations have demonstrated their commitment to making cycling a real option for transportation and leisure for all.
«While last November's municipal elections brought to power several administrations resolutely in favor of active and sustainable mobility in Quebec municipalities of all sizes, communities committed to the VELOSYMPATHIC movement are leading the way. They are showing the way for all those who want to improve the quality of life of their citizens by offering them more mobility options, and enabling them to lead a more active lifestyle. They are also concretely tackling the challenges of climate change. Jean-François Rheault, President and CEO of Vélo Québec.
The organizations and campuses recognized in this round are working hard to create work and study environments conducive to being reached by bike. With employees⋅e⋅s and students⋅e⋅s returning to their premises after long periods of telecommuting and studying almost exclusively at a distance, campuses and organizations are thus inviting people to rediscover the pleasure of getting active, reducing traffic congestion and impact on the environment.
For the first time, a community, an organization and a campus were applying for the third time, demonstrating an ongoing and remarkable commitment since their initial application in 2016. A number of certified participants also saw their certification levels raised during this round, testifying to sustained work and tangible results on their cycling culture.
COMMUNITIES :
Silver certification :
- Town of Sainte-Julie
- City of Waterloo
Honorable mention:
- Town of Sutton
ORGANIZATIONS :
Gold certification :
- CAE Inc.
- Olympic Park
Silver certification :
- Recyc-Québec - Head Office
- Recyc-Québec - Montréal Office
- BIXI Montreal
Bronze certification :
- Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal
Honorable mention:
- Le P'tit Train du Nord linear park
- BBA - Montreal Office
CAMPUS :
Gold certification :
- Cégep Édouard-Montpetit
Silver certification :
- Polytechnique Montréal
Bronze certification :
- Collège de Rosemont
The certification approach: a continuous improvement process
Communities and organizations wishing to join the VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE movement fill in a comprehensive application form to describe their initiatives to develop a genuine cycling culture.
An independent panel of judges assesses the applications submitted, based on the answers given in the application form and the results of a survey of local assessors. The committee then determines the level of certification to be awarded.
There are 5 levels of certification: bronze, silver, gold, platinum and diamond. Candidates who do not meet the certification criteria, but who demonstrate a clear commitment to the development of a bicycle culture, receive an honorable mention.
All candidates receive a feedback report with recommendations they can implement to continue their efforts.
Find out more about how applications are assessed, read this article.
Organizations and communities wishing to become involved in the VELOSYMPATHIC approach are invited to visit the VELOSYMPATHIC website. www.velosympathique.com and sign up for information webinars for organizations and communitys.
The next deadline for applications is April 8, 2022.
