Canada’s diverse landscape offers a unique perspective on urban cycling, with cities across the country showcasing different approaches to integrating bicycles into daily life. The recently revamped City Ratings program, which now includes over 100 international cities, ranked 41 Canadian cities, highlighting the best among them. Here are five standout Canadian bike cities that excel in creating a cyclist-friendly environment.
1. Montreal, Quebec
Score: 61
Montreal, located on an island in Quebec, has long been at the forefront of bicycle activism in Canada. With a history of pushing for bike infrastructure, the city was among the first in the country to install bicycle lanes. Today, cycling accounts for 13-15% of the city’s overall transportation mode share, a testament to its deeply ingrained cycling culture.
The city’s commitment to cycling infrastructure dates back to the 1990s when protected bike paths were first introduced. Montreal also hosts massive bicycling festivals, drawing tens of thousands of participants. The introduction of a bike-share program in 2007 further bolstered the city’s cycling culture. The latest development is the Reseau express velo (REV), a network of wide, express bike paths that span the city. With over 1,000 kilometers of bike lanes, 40% of which are segregated from cars, Montreal is a model for other Canadian cities.
Jean-François Rheault, president and CEO of Vélo Québec, notes that Montreal’s cycling culture is inclusive, with people from all walks of life participating. In Montreal, it’s common to see cyclists in everyday clothing, a reflection of the city’s European-style approach to biking.
2. Calgary, Alberta
Score: 59
Calgary, a major city in Western Canada known for its oil and gas industries, has transformed from a car-centric metropolis to a leader in Canadian cycling. Despite having more cars per capita than any other city in the world in 1967, Calgary has successfully integrated cycling into its urban fabric.
Peter Spearing, president of Bike Calgary, emphasizes the city’s collaborative approach to road-sharing, focusing on making streets safer for all users. Calgary’s efforts to depoliticize bicycling and promote a culture of year-round cycling have paid off, with the city reducing residential street speed limits and prioritizing snow-clearing on major bike routes.
Calgary boasts one of the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway networks in North America, with over 1,000 kilometers of trails. The city’s downtown core features multi-use infrastructure, green spaces, and scenic views of the Bow River. The focus now is on connecting isolated bike paths and promoting cycling as an inclusive mode of transportation.
3. Fredericton, New Brunswick
Score: 54
Fredericton’s journey to becoming a bike-friendly city began in the early 1990s, thanks to the efforts of local advocate Bill Thorpe. Despite initial resistance, Thorpe’s vision materialized in the form of the Fredericton Trail System, which is now a beloved part of the city.
The Fredericton Trail System spans 120 kilometers, connecting all parts of the city and linking to the larger New Brunswick Trail System. The trails are used year-round, thanks to paved sections that allow for easy maintenance and winter plowing. The system is popular not only with cyclists but also with walkers and runners.
Stephen Marr, vice president of the Fredericton Trails Coalition, highlights the city’s efforts to attract more cyclists by hosting events and improving trail amenities. The city’s growing focus on active transportation has made Fredericton a hub for cycling tourism, drawing visitors from across the region.
4. Ottawa, Ontario
Score: 51
Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, has made significant strides in building a connected and accessible cycling network. When Hans Moor, a Dutch immigrant, moved to Ottawa in 1998, he was surprised by the lack of a cycling culture, despite the city’s flat geography. His advocacy work with Bike Ottawa helped to change that.
Today, Ottawa is about 95% of the way to having a complete, connected bike network, thanks to the efforts of the National Capital Commission and the city’s commitment to integrating cycling infrastructure into road construction projects. The city has embraced a Complete Streets design approach, ensuring that new roads accommodate all users.
Moor emphasizes the importance of starting small to build a cycling culture, focusing on short trips to everyday destinations. Ottawa’s progress is evident in the increasing number of people cycling for transportation, with the city now boasting a diverse range of cyclists.
5. Vancouver, British Columbia
Score: 47
Vancouver, despite its reputation for having some of the best cycling infrastructure in Canada, still faces challenges in improving safety and access. However, the city’s residents are highly engaged in cycling, with a community score of 65, the highest in Canada.
Cycling is the fastest-growing mode of transportation in Vancouver, with a 40% increase in trips between 2008 and 2011. The city has over 450 lane-kilometers of bike routes, with more being added each year. Vancouver’s holistic approach to cycling includes infrastructure improvements, Slow Streets initiatives, and widespread cycling education programs.
Erin O’Melinn, executive director of Hub Cycling, praises Vancouver’s connected cycling network and the city’s efforts to make cycling accessible to all. However, there is still work to be done in filling network gaps and improving equity across different neighborhoods. Vancouver’s focus on bringing in more diverse ridership is a positive step towards making cycling an integrated part of the city’s culture.
Conclusion
These five cities demonstrate the diversity and potential of cycling in Canada. From the bustling streets of Montreal to the scenic trails of Fredericton, each city offers unique lessons on how to create a bike-friendly environment. Whether it’s through infrastructure improvements, community engagement, or policy changes, these cities are leading the way in making cycling a safe, accessible, and enjoyable mode of transportation for all.