McGill’s downtown campus has earned a silver certification from Vélo Québec’s VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE program.
In recognizing the University’s institutional commitment to cycling, VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE cited numerous McGill initiatives, including the Ride & Refresh program, four new bicycle repair stations, the student-run Flat Bike Collective and support from the Sustainability Projects Fund for cycling projects.
“Vélo Québec is proud to award McGill University’s main campus a silver certification in its very first application,” said Jean-François Rheault, President and CEO of Vélo Québec. “As a major educational institution, it is gratifying to see McGill making a concrete commitment to developing a strong cycling culture for its professional and student communities.”
“Its leadership in providing shared streets for pedestrians and cyclists on its campus and its ambitious bike action plan aimed at facilitating cycling to campus are proof of this. By joining the ranks of the VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE Movement, McGill University is demonstrating its vision for the development of cycling on its campus!”
Certification criteria are based on five pillars: environment, education, equity, encouragement, and evaluation and planning.
“This certification is part of a broader effort to promote active and sustainable commuting options,” said François Miller, Executive Director of Sustainability. “Our team has been working to develop a true cycling culture at McGill, and we’re just getting started.”
Making cycling a real option
In addition to installing the new bicycle repair stations, McGill has also extended its Ride & Refresh program to include students as well as staff and faculty. The University is also replacing many of its old bike racks, and is generally improving its cycling infrastructure.
In total, since the beginning of the program, 41 communities, 88 organizations and 29 campuses have demonstrated their commitment to making cycling a real option in terms of transportation and recreation for all.
Four campuses have received gold certification. McGill’s downtown campus is the ninth to be certified silver. The organization also offers platinum and diamond certifications; the Centre culture et environnement Frédéric Back in Quebec City just earned platinum status.