Durham Region earns Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community designation

We’ve pedaled our way to an exciting achievement – earning the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designation from Share the Road Cycling Coalition. This was our very first application, and we’re proud to have earned this recognition! 

A first for Ontario’s regional municipalities

Durham is the first regional municipality in Ontario to apply for and receive this recognition, showing just how committed we are to making cycling safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to make cycling a safe and convenient choice for everyone in the Region,” shares Sandra Austin, Commissioner of Community Growth and Economic Development.

This award reflects years of teamwork and smart planning, including the Regional Cycling Plan, Complete Streets policy, paved shoulder standards, and traffic signal and intersection upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists. “Earning this designation is a source of pride for the Region!” adds Austin. “We’re committed to building even more bike-friendly routes and opportunities for our community.”

What is the Bicycle Friendly Community Program?

Share the Road Cycling Coalition partners with all levels of government, businesses, road safety organizations, and non-profit organizations to improve access to roads and trails for cyclists, enhance safety, and promote the benefits of safe cycling for healthy lifestyles and vibrant communities.

The BFC program looks at how communities support cycling through engineering, education, encouragement, and evaluation. Of the 61 designated BFC municipalities in Ontario, the Town of Ajax is designated as a Silver BFC community and the Town of Whitby and City of Oshawa are each designated as Bronze BFC communities. The Region’s Bronze BFC status means we’re off to a strong start – and there’s plenty more to come!