Cycling Events & Programs

Toronto is a cycling city and that is true more than ever, says a 2019 survey conducted on behalf of the City of Toronto. The survey found that seven in 10 Toronto residents are riding bicycles (70%) and, increasingly, they are using them for everyday trips. This is an increase in cycling rates compared to 54% in 2009 and 48% in 1999. The survey also shows that residents in all areas of the city reported cycling at higher rates than years past.

 

The 2019 survey also highlights the importance of the City’s investment in new bicycle infrastructure. Toronto residents are twice as likely to say they feel comfortable or somewhat comfortable on major roads with bike lanes/cycle tracks than those without. Respondents to the survey stated that they would like to travel by bike if streets felt safer and there was dedicated bicycle infrastructure to protect them from motor vehicle traffic.

Key Findings included:

  • The percentage of Toronto residents who report cycling continues to increase
  • The proportion of households that own at least one bicycle has slightly increased
  • Residents of all four districts report cycling at similar rates
  • Toronto residents are twice as likely to say they feel comfortable or somewhat comfortable with major roads with bike lanes/cycle tracks than without bike lanes/cycle tracks
  • Respondents were more likely to say they would like to travel by bike if the street felt safer and there was dedicated bike infrastructure to protect them from traffic

Nanos Research, a research and strategy organization, conducted an online survey of 1,516 Toronto residents, 18 years of age or older, between May 13th to 29th, 2019. The 2009 and 1999 surveys were completed by telephone with individuals aged 15 years or older who resided in the City of Toronto in August and October, respectively.

Dive into the data here: (1999, 2009, and 2019)

Around the world in many cities, there are Bike to Work days, weeks and months. These celebrations raise awareness of the benefits of cycling, and to try to encourage people to ride their bikes more.

Each year, Toronto’s Bike Month events kick off with Bike to Work Day which takes place on the last Monday of May. This is a joint event between the City of Toronto and Cycle Toronto.

Beginning in 2012, the City partnered with Cycle Toronto, to transition Bike Month into a community-based program.

For more information please visit bikemonth.ca/toronto

Bike Share Toronto allows users to pick up, and drop off bicycles 24 hours a day, seven days a week all year round. The bikes can be taken from any station and returned to any station in the bike share system.

Bike Share Toronto was created to provide both locals and visitors an enjoyable and cost-effective option to walking, taxis, and public transportation. With an expansive network in Toronto, Bike Share Toronto is a fun and easy way get around town and explore the city.

CAN-BIKE is the only accredited program that teaches cycling rules and safety led by certified CAN-BIKE instructors.

Instructors are knowledgeable about the Highway Traffic Act and teach cycling skills such as anticipating traffic dynamics, recognizing road hazards, and collision-avoidance techniques.