"This is an honour for the City of Toronto and our cycling community,"
said Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), Chair of the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. "Congratulations to our staff as well as our strong cycling community on this achievement.
This designation recognizes what we've accomplished so far and our commitment to expanding our cycling initiatives and infrastructure going forward."
The Share the Road Cycling Coalition noted Toronto's improvements in cycling infrastructure, growth of cycling in the downtown core, the City's data collection and enhanced partnerships with community groups.
Cycle Toronto was also recognized for its programs, initiatives and partnerships.
Communities are judged in five categories, including engineering, education, encouragement, evaluation and planning. Communities must demonstrate achievements in each of the five categories to be considered for an award – bronze, silver, gold, platinum or diamond.
The Bicycle Friendly Community program was launched by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition in Canada in August 2010 in partnership with the U.S.-based League of American Cyclists. The program provides assistance to, and award recognition for, communities that actively support cycling.