As the General Manager of London Bicycle Cafe, I have the incredible opportunity to meet and collaborate with inspiring individuals dedicated to promoting active transportation. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Arcy Canumay, the Bike Mayor of Waterloo. Arcy’s work as a sustainable mobility consultant is nothing short of transformative, and our discussion was both enlightening and motivating.
Who is Arcy Canumay?
Arcy Canumay, originally from the Philippines, has made Waterloo, Ontario, his home since 2004. His passion for cycling has profoundly impacted his life, enhancing his health and daily commute and connecting him with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Arcy’s vision is clear: to share the benefits of cycling with as many people as possible, both in Waterloo and beyond.
You can learn more about Arcy Canumay on his BYCS profile: https://bycs.org/arcy-canumay/ and follow him on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/bikemayorwat,Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/arcycan
The Role of a Bike Mayor
Bike Mayors play a pivotal role in their communities by accelerating the adoption of cycling as a primary mode of transportation. They unite citizens to take collective action, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the table. By connecting with a global network of changemakers, Bike Mayors like Arcy rapidly share ideas, challenges, and solutions, fostering a more bike-friendly world.
For more information on what it means to be a Bike Mayor, check out this BYCS page : https://bycs.org/bicycle-mayor/
Our meeting agenda:
The Many Paths to Becoming Canada’s Most Active Cities!
Our discussion led to talking about London’s journey towards becoming Canada’s most active city. In March 2024, Western University’s “The Hub” hosted a symposium and pitch competition under the theme, “Innovative Ideas for Making London the Most Active City in Canada.” Our proposal from London Bicycle Cafe won the best community pitch, capturing the essence of transforming our community through active transportation. We’ve been meeting representation from other cities in the region and asking them to take up our call to action with us! https://www.londonbicyclecafe.com/blogs/london-bicycle-cafe-blog/londons-path-to-becoming-canadas-most-active-city/
The Mountsfield Bike Bus
One initiative we’re particularly proud to see is the Mountsfield Bike Bus. Inspired by similar programs worldwide, this bike-to-school concept has taken off in London! Every Wednesday, students and parent volunteers gather to ride to school together, making the commute safer, more fun, and eco-friendly. This program not only promotes cycling but also builds confidence and community among students.
According to a CBC Report https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/heard-of-a-bike-bus-these-london-students-are-gearingup-for-fun-rides-to-school-1.7218202, the Mountsfield Bike Bus has been a hit since its launch. Students meet at a designated location and travel to school as a group, making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible. This initiative encourages morning exercise and promotes an eco-friendly commute.
The Waterloo Bike Bus
Arcy shared insights from his experience in initiating and planning the Waterloo Bike Bus with a volunteer parent. The Bike Bus starts from a local park and weaves its way to 6 stops before arriving at Empire Public School. During the pilot phase of the project in June 2023, 4 rides were completed by the group. The initial ride had 18 kids and 7 adults which increased to 34 kids and 11 adults at the end of the pilot.
During the summer of 2023, more kids wanted to join the Bike Bus. A number of parents shared that their young kids were biking so much during summer to join the Bike Bus at the start of the school year. The lead parent was asked a number of times by kids and their parents when the bike bus will start again. The excitement for the start of the Bike Bus season was at an all time high in September and a lot of kids and parents participated. Even when the weather became colder, the kids still wanted to ride. Due to snow and salt on the ground, the lead parent decided to end the 2023 Bike Bus during the second week of November. The 2024 Bike Bus season started in May and a lot of new faces joined the Bike Bus ride to school.
The Waterloo Bike Bus is led by volunteer parents with the support of the Bicycle Mayor of Waterloo, Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR), City of Waterloo, CycleWR and the Cycling Guide Foundation.
The Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) and Active Transportation.
Situated along the Thames River, the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) is London’s primary multi-use recreational trail. Spanning 43 kilometers, it offers scenic river crossings and connects to over 150 kilometers of additional pathways. The TVP is accessible to all ages and abilities, making it a cornerstone of our city’s active transportation network.
Future projects and upgrades are planned to eliminate road crossings and improve neighborhood connections. For more information about the TVP, visit the [City of London’s website](https://london.ca/living-london/parks-facilities/parks/thames-valley-parkway-tvp).
The London Bicycle Cafe offers tours of the heart of the Parkway as part of our Free Test Ride Program. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=15342844&appointmentType=8307687
The Importance of Collaboration in Activism
Reflecting on my meeting with Arcy and the initiatives we discussed, it’s clear that collaboration is at the heart of effective activism. It’s about harnessing the power of the collective to create meaningful, sustainable change. Together, we can build movements that are inclusive, resilient, and capable of achieving significant impact.
I am grateful for the opportunity my role at London Bicycle Cafe brings me. Meeting folks like Arcy is truly a privilege I cherish, and I look forward to many more collaborations that will shape the future of active transportation in our cities.
Let’s Keep the Wheels Turning
As we pedal forward this Bike Month, let’s remember the power of working together. Whether it’s through community initiatives, global networks, or local projects, collaboration is key to making our cities more bike-friendly and our communities more vibrant. Let’s keep the wheels turning towards a healthier, more sustainable future.
For more information on Arcy Canumay and his work, you can follow him on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/bikemayorwat and Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/arcycan, or visit his profile https://bycs.org/arcy-canumay/
Stay tuned for more updates from London Bicycle Cafe as we continue our journey to make London the most active city in Canada!