Ontario Cycling Association and Share the Road Cycling Coalition Launch New Cycling Club Program to Unite and Empower Cyclists Across Ontario

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ontario Cycling and Share the Road Cycling Coalition Launch New Cycling Club Program to Unite and Empower Cyclists Across Ontario

Enhancing Awareness and Road Safety are Program’s Core Objectives 

BURLINGTON, ON — July 22, 2025 — With cycling continuing to grow in popularity across the province, Ontario Cycling and the Share the Road Cycling Coalition are thrilled to announce the launch of a new partnership aimed at supporting cycling clubs and members across the province through the creation of a Share the Road Cycling Club Program, designed to connect, support, and amplify the voices of cycling enthusiasts and advocates across the province.

This innovative initiative brings together local cycling clubs under a shared vision and commitment: promoting safer streets, fostering community, and strengthening the cycling movement through collaboration and education.

“Whether you ride for fun, fitness, or transportation, every cyclist deserves to feel safe and supported,” said Pam Julian, President & CEO Ontario Cycling. “Our new Share the Road Cycling Club Program helps clubs share resources, elevate advocacy, and celebrate the joy of riding—together. 

“Our partnership with the Share the Road Cycling Coalition enables us to benefit from their knowledge, expertise and network in communities across Ontario as an organization that has a track record of effective advocacy, legislative change as well as road safety education and awareness initiatives. We know that our members in communities across Ontario care deeply about cycling and road safety as ambassadors of the sport – and this program will allow us to showcase their commitments to both in their communities, where they live and where they ride,” added Julian. 

“We are delighted to partner with Ontario Cycling; it’s member clubs and the thousands of cyclists in communities across the province who enjoy cycling daily. Working together to develop a Share the Road Pledge is evidence of our shared commitment to road safety. It is also heartening to see the interest among cycling clubs members, in making a positive contribution to advancing cycling infrastructure and investments in their communities We look forward to working with them to enhance their ability to do so,” said Eleanor McMahon Founder and Board Chair Share the Road Cycling Coalition.

“This program is definitely timely given cycling’s growing popularity right across Ontario,” McMahon added. “Through our polling data we know that 68 per cent of Ontarians (9.8 million people) ride their bike at least monthly and of those, 22 per cent of Ontarians (3.2 million) say they ride a bike daily, with an additional 46 per cent report riding weekly or monthly.”

“Our polling also confirms that Ontarians are both cyclists and motorists – with 87 per cent of Ontario’s 3.2 million frequent cyclists saying they also drive frequently, while 85 per cent of Ontario’s 9.8 million occasional cyclists saying this is the case. As both motorists and cyclists these club members are signifying their commitment to the road safety values that the Pledge embodies – whether they are behind the wheel or in the saddle. We look forward to this opportunity to partner with OC and in the process, raise awareness of the importance of sharing the road and driving with care and attention given that we all want to get home safely,” McMahon noted.

Both organizations share a vision of safer, more inclusive streets, and are committed to helping cyclists—whether they ride recreationally, competitively, or for transportation—feel supported by their community and all levels of government.

The initiative will roll out in phases over the coming months, beginning with the formation of a province-wide working group of club leaders, advocates, and road safety champions. This group will help identify the most pressing needs and opportunities for local advocacy, and co-develop templates, training, and resources that reflect the realities of cycling in communities of all sizes.

Program Highlights:

 Advocacy Toolkits to support local cycling advocacy
 The Share the Road Pledge and Ambassador program: a shared, public commitment by cycling clubs 
 Workshops and Webinars on safety, policy, and effective local advocacy 
 Special Member Events including the August 17^th  Share the Road Gran Fondo in support of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition 

Cycling clubs of all sizes are invited to join this free program and become part of a province-wide movement to make Ontario’s roads safer and more inclusive for everyone.

Stay tuned for more information or to register your club for this exciting initiative.

About Ontario Cycling
Ontario Cycling is the governing body for the sport of cycling in Ontario, providing leadership and support to athletes, clubs, coaches, officials, and events across the province. With a vision of a thriving and inclusive cycling community, Ontario Cycling supports all forms of cycling and works to grow the sport at every level.

About Share the Road Cycling Coalition

The Share the Road Cycling Coalition is Ontario’s cycling advocacy and policy organization created in 2007 to unite cycling organizations from across the province, work with and on behalf of municipalities to enhance their ability to make their communities more bicycle- friendly and advocate for investment and engagement by provincial and municipal governments. Core to the organization’s mission and mandate are safety, education and awareness campaigns.