Vélo Canada Bikes’ 2021 AGM was held on September 26th, and it was great to be able to share some of the successes of 2020/2021 with people right across the country. There is no doubt that VCB took a significant step change over the past 12 months. And the next 12 months are going to be no different!
Looking back the last 12 months, by the numbers:
- Membership quadrupled to 220
- 28 advocacy organization members
- 5 Supporting Industry Partners
- 12 monthly donors
- 68 Communities participated in the 1st Pedal Poll
- Over 1,000 volunteers counted cyclists in the Pedal Poll 2021
- 43 media hits over the past 12 months
A lot of work over the past year has been focused on the National Active Transportation Strategy (NATS). As you know, this is something that VCB has been advocating for several years, with multiple submissions, delegations, meetings, presentations, and lots of research. In March of 2020 the federal government announced their intention to develop a NATS. Then COVID hit.
A year later, with about 3 days’ notice, the federal government initiated the work to develop the Strategy. Vélo Canada Bikes was asked to organize, host, and facilitate a national consultation seeking input on the strategy. In 2 weeks, VCB hosted 6 major round tables, with over 600 participants to gather input for the federal government for the NATS and associated Active Transportation Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). VCB members were invited to participate in these sessions, it was important to ensure that as many voices as possible were heard and input gathered.
On July 28th, our Chair, Anders Swanson, joined Minister McKenna to launch the National Active Transportation Strategy. VCB was recognized for their contribution throughout the announcement and throughout the NATS document itself. Have a look: NATS
We are proud of our work in realizing the NATS. Vélo Canada Bikes and many other partners have been working for this for a long time. We have been part of a key group of organizations forming an ad-hoc AT Alliance: CAA, Heart and Stroke, Piétons Quebec, Green Communities Canada, TransCanada Trail, and Active School Travels Canada
We are proud of our work in realizing the NATS. Vélo Canada Bikes and many other partners have been working for this for a long time. We have been part of a key group of organizations forming an ad-hoc AT Alliance: CAA, Heart and Stroke, Piétons Quebec, Green Communities Canada, TransCanada Trail, and Active School Travels Canada
But our work is not done. The AT Alliance is continuing to meet and advocate to ensure the NATS is implemented, and the funding is allocated. We know that this is the first step, that funding needs to grow to meet the demand. We know that cycling needs to be more inclusive, that the opportunities to use a bike as a viable transportation choice has a long way to go.
Our success is because of the dedicated work of many people. It is because of the support of our members, volunteers, partners, and industry supporters. Each are part of the work we do every day.
While the Globe and Mail may suggest that the “war against bike lanes might finally be over” we know we still have a long way to go. The war isn’t won….yet, but resistance is weakening.
We have a lot in the works for the coming year. It is going to be exciting and interesting. Together, we will show them that resistance is futile!
