Montréal, January 18, 2023 – Vélo Québec today unveils the names of the 2 communities, 5 organizations and 5 campuses recognized at the 13e certification round VELOSYMPATHIC movement. In all, since the program began, 36 communities, 62 organizations and 27 campuses have demonstrated their commitment to making cycling a real transportation and leisure option for everyone.
Gathered last October for the Transforming our living environments through cycling, the VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE community of practice active at municipal level had the opportunity to hear about the achievements of two inspiring communities, the city of Chambly and the Montreal borough of Verdun. The commitment of these two communities was confirmed by their candidacy in the latest round of VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE certification, which earned Chambly a Bronze level certification, and Verdun a Silver level certification.
In 2023, we'll be bringing together the organizations and campuses that are working to develop cycling in their work and study environments. Those recognized in this round of certification are sure to inspire their peers with their commitment, and demonstrate that cycling can be promoted in organizations of all sizes!
«During the last provincial election, we called on the government to do everything in its power to free Quebec households from the burden of a second vehicle, in a context of inflation where transportation expenses are weighing ever more heavily on family budgets. This round of certifications proves that communities, educational institutions and employers are part of the solution, by facilitating and encouraging bicycle use at their level,» says Magali Bebronne, Program Director at Vélo Québec. «Our certifiers haven't waited to put in place favorable environments and, increasingly, very concrete incentives to encourage Quebecers to get on the saddle!»
RECOGNIZED COMMUNITIES, ORGANIZATIONS AND CAMPUSES
COMMUNITIES :
Silver certification :
- Verdun district
Bronze certification
- City of Chambly
ORGANIZATIONS :
Gold certification :
- Quinzee Architecture
Bronze certification :
- AV&R Saint-Bruno
- Cyclochrome
Honorable mention:
- Collège Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes
- CIUSSS Nord-de-L'Île-de-Montréal - Hôpital Sacré-Cœur de Montréal
CAMPUS :
Silver certification :
- Université de Sherbrooke - Main campus
- Université de Montréal - Mountain Campus (including MIL Campus)
Bronze certification :
- Bishop's University
- Université de Sherbrooke - Health Campus
- Université de Sherbrooke - Longueuil Campus
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.
To find out more about how applications are assessed, read this article.
Find out more about how applications are assessed, read this article.
Organizations, campuses and communities wishing to get involved in the VELOSYMPATHIC approach are invited to visit the www.velosympathique.com and sign up for information webinars for organizations, campus and communities.
The next deadline for applications is April 20, 2023.
