Montreal, September 18, 2024 - Today, Vélo Québec unveils the names of the 5 communities, 11 organizations and 2 campuses that received certification as part of the 16e round VELOSYMPATHIC movement. The organization is delighted to announce that, for the first time since the program was launched, an organization has been awarded the PLATINUM level. Congratulations to the Centre culture et environnement Frédéric Back!
In total, since 2015, 41 communities, 88 organizations and 29 campuses have committed to making cycling a preferred option for both travel and leisure, testifying to the significant impact of this program:« The VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE movement, which has been active for 10 years, is playing a key role in the transformation of Quebec by promoting active and sustainable mobility. By encouraging the use of bicycles in living environments, it contributes not only to reducing greenhouse gases, but also to improving public health and creating safer, more inclusive environments. It's a powerful, indeed essential, lever for a more sustainable and eco-responsible Quebec. »affirms Magali Bebronne, Program Director, Vélo Québec.
THE 2024 RECIPIENTS
COMMUNITIES : This year, three of Quebec's four largest cities renewed their certification! Another highlight of the round was the fact that the communities recognized ranged from Outaouais to Côte-Nord, proof that the program benefits the whole province.
- Gold certification
City of Montreal
- Silver certification
Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension Borough
Municipality of Chelsea
City of Laval
Ville de Gatineau
- Honorable Mention
City of Baie-Comeau
ORGANIZATIONS : In addition to awarding the first platinum certification, this 16e ronde enables two large organizations with over 10,000 employees - CHUM and Desjardins for Complexe Desjardins - to bring the benefits of cycling to a large number of people.
- Platinum certification
Center culture et environnement Frédéric Back
- Silver certification
Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes
RECYC-QUÉBEC - Head office
RECYC-QUÉBEC - Montreal Office
- Bronze certification
Center Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)
Desjardins - Complexe Desjardins
Stingray
Linear park le p'tit train du Nord
- Honorable Mention
Rosemont aquatic complex
Coveo - Montreal
Coveo - Quebec
CAMPUS : This was the very first application for the two campuses certified in this round!
- Silver certification
McGill University
- Bronze certification
Cégep de Valleyfield
A continuous improvement process:
Communities, organizations and campuses wishing to join the VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE movement fill out a comprehensive application form outlining their initiatives to develop a true bicycle culture. An independent panel of judges evaluates the applications based on the answers provided in the application form and the results of a survey of local evaluators. The committee then determines the level of certification to be awarded. All candidates receive a feedback report with recommendations they can implement to further their efforts.
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. Find out more about how applications are assessed, read this article.
