Kingston recognized as a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community
The City of Kingston has been working to upgrade their active transport network, which includes improving the experiences for cyclers throughout the city. Share the Road Cycling Coalition has recognized the significant progress made by the City, and its community partners, by awarding Kingston a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation.
According to a release from the City of Kingston, communities across Canada are judged in four categories, including engineering, education, encouragement, and evaluation and planning. Communities must demonstrate achievements in each of these categories to be considered for an award.
“As a City, we’re committed to advancing active transportation by making it safer and more convenient to cycle throughout Kingston,” said Mayor Paterson. “This designation reflects a commitment to this vision, the effort and hard work of staff, and the dedication of so many residents and community organizations to advance cycling goals. This is an exciting achievement and I look forward to continuing to work together to make Kingston a leading bicycle friendly city.”
Previously, the City was recognized as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, according the release. The City said that the promotion to silver is a result of its dedication to cycling, exemplified through its implementation of the Active Transportation Master Plan and the steps taken community-wide to foster a culture of cycling in Kingston.
According to the release, this achievement is a collective effort built on the strength of Kingston’s cycling community and partners, including Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation (KCAT), Cycle Kingston, Kingston Velo Club, Kingston Gets Active and KFL&A Public Health. Share the Road recognized these partnerships and the role they play in making Kingston a Bicycle Friendly Community, the City stated.
“A designation like this reflects the community’s commitment to promoting cycling as a convenient and healthy way to get around our city,” said Neal Scott, President of Cycle Kingston. “It shows us that we’re on the right path. Next stop, gold!”
Over 50 per cent of households in Kingston have at least one bicycle, and Kingston residents make almost 15,000 cycling trips each weekday, according to the release.
“We’re working to expand and upgrade the cycling network alongside supportive policies and programs, making cycling an increasingly safe, convenient, and attractive travel option,” said Ian Semple, Director of Transportation Services. “We’re at the stage where we’re putting plans into action. We’re designing and building projects that improve our roads, prioritize safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and give people more options to get around the city. This designation recognizes that work that’s led to this point.”
The City of Kingston provided the following details on cycling initiatives and further information:
Recent cycling initiatives include:
- Construction of All Ages and Abilities (AAA) Intersections
- Completion of the Leroy Grant multi-use pathway
- Completion of the Henderson Boulevard multi-use pathway
- Preliminary design of extensive off-road cycling facilities on Bayridge Drive
- Ongoing active routes to school programming
- Bicycle locking education and partnership with Garage 529 to reduce bicycle theft
Related links and more information: