Montreal, Wednesday, July 14, 2021 - Vélo Québec today unveils the names of the 3 communities and 5 organizations recognized at the 10e certification round VELOSYMPATHIC movement. Since the program began, a total of 32 communities and 79 organizations have demonstrated their commitment to making cycling a real transportation and leisure option for all.
While a number of organizations and communities faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, it's worth highlighting those that maintained their efforts in favor of cycling, whether through new applications for certification, or renewals after three years. These will be in the best position for a successful relaunch, which will mean a return to the office for many.
«We're at a crossroads as we emerge from the pandemic, with employers having to redouble their efforts to compete with the appeal of telecommuting and attract employees back to their offices. Municipalities, for their part, must prepare for the return, or even worsening, of congestion, if they don't take advantage of the current upheaval to steer citizens towards sustainable mobility options. We are therefore proud of the communities and organizations that are being proactive and continuing to promote cycling: while taking advantage of the boom in recreational cycling over the past year, they are ensuring that their citizens» and employees' commutes will be moments of pleasure, serving their physical and mental health," says Jean-François Rheault, President and CEO of Vélo Québec.
COMMUNITIES :
Gold certification :
- Borough of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie
Honorable mention:
- Borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
- City of Saint-Lambert
ORGANIZATIONS :
Organizations and companies
Bronze certification :
- CGA Architects inc.
Honorable mention:
- Tourism Montérégie
- Les Ateliers Ublo
- MaBrasserie
Educational establishments
Silver certification :
- Cégep du Vieux Montréal
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 further 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. The next deadline for applications is October 8, 2021.
