Publication - Nov. 26, 2015 - By Nithya Vijayakumar, Cherise Burda

Across Canada, cycling is growing in popularity as a daily commuting option. It offers a convenient and affordable solution to crowded transit and congested streets in urban areas, and is also growing in some suburbs. However, not all cities are investing in cycling infrastructure to the same degree, particularly when it comes to creating separated lanes and other measures that improve safety and attract new cyclists.

This report assesses cycling in five of Canada’s largest cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa. It analyzes how well cycling networks serve residents in each of these cities, and how effectively each city has responded to the growth in cycling and the demand for safer and more accessible infrastructure that takes cyclists where they want to go.

Note: This report was produced with the intention of stimulating conversation around the need for improved cycling infrastructure and data. Thank you to Vélo Québec for bringing more data to our attention. The report now includes updated numbers for Montreal’s population, cycling trips and crash rates in Montreal and Vancouver, and Toronto infrastructure.

