During the month of June, Parking & Transportation Services is partnering with , �����Ի� to celebrate Bike Month by offering �첥��Ƶ community members a range of bike-friendly resources, including Toronto cycling maps, quick bike repairs and safety handbooks. At the June 17 event, attendees can ask questions to event partners, compete for prizes, and learn about local cycling infrastructure, related services and the benefits of bikes as a form of sustainable travel.

The annual celebration of Bike Month at �첥��Ƶ highlights the institution's commitment to ensuring sustainable travel options are available across its multi-campus network.  

�첥��Ƶ was the first institution in the Greater Toronto Area to partner with Bike Share Toronto in 2021, eventually leading to three Bike Share stations being established on the Keele and Glendon campuses. This strategic partnership helped strengthen the cycling culture across university campuses and helped promote sustainable transportation.

For more information on webinars, workshops and other incentives - visit the official 

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With their easy-to-use trip-logging feature on the , you’ll be able to log your efforts and monitor your personal stats throughout the month. Track your trips, view your greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, and watch your impact add up to real positive change!

Additionally, you have the opportunity to win a $50 gift card! Each sustainable commuting trip you log using the Smart Commute Tool earns you one entry into a random prize draw for a $50 gift card. Visit Smart Commute to check out the prizing rules and find out how you can join in.

You can also join Smart Commute for a series of this February, to learn how you can commute more sustainably. Plus, each webinar gives you a chance to win a $25 gift card, with one lucky attendee selected per session!

Are you on campus? Swing by the Smart Commute table on February 12 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m in Central Square (CSQ). They’ll be giving away goodies like bike lights, reflective straps, tote bags, earmuffs, and more! Plus, you can learn about cycling tours, cycling maps, TTC maps, and other helpful resources.

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What is Smart Commute month? 

Smart Commute month is a part of a larger, city-wide initiative that encourages individuals and workplaces to reconsider how they commute daily. The campaign advocates for alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle travel, such as carpooling, cycling, using public transit and walking. By doing so, it aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and contribute to a healthier urban environment. 

Why it matters 

Transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and by promoting sustainable commuting options, we aim to foster and further build a culture of sustainability within the York community. 

Events and incentives 

The York community is invited to participate in the . The goal of the survey is to learn how people across Ontario are commuting to work or school. Survey participants have a chance to win one of five $100 gift card prizes! 

Throughout the month, Smart Commute will be hosting a variety of events designed to engage the York community. These include: 

 
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 
Discover the benefits of carpooling and how the Smart Commute app and Smart Commute tool can help you find carpool groups across Ontario. 

 
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 
Uncover the benefits of cycling, typical challenges and how to overcome them. Learn about bike essentials and key safety tips for cycling during all seasons. 
 
 
Thursday. Sept. 26, 2024 
Learn about the variety of electric vehicles available today, the growth of EV charging infrastructure and how technological progress has impacted EV capabilities to withstand winter conditions. 

Looking Ahead 

As Smart Commute month gains momentum, we hope to see lasting changes in the commuting habits of York’s community members. By embedding sustainability into the daily routines of its students, faculty and staff, the University continues to lead by example in the fight against climate change. 

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The designation was awarded on Sept. 13 by Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC), the North American authority on recognizing and assisting workplaces that provide exceptional commuter benefits to employees.

With this designation, York joins institutions such as Harvard University, Princeton, Stanford and Yale that have also been commended for options available to travellers.

“York has spent many years building a strong transportation network, working with city partners to ensure our campuses are well-connected and accessible, and considering the ways we can lower our carbon footprint with sustainable travel options,” said Carol McAulay, vice-president finance and administration. “This new designation is a celebration of that work and a reflection of what’s to come. We’re continuing to invest in sustainable travel options and are committed to working with municipal and provincial partners to advocate for more affordable transit options, including fare integration, to improve benefits for our community.”

To earn this designation, York was recognized for the variety of benefits and options it provides to students, faculty, instructors and staff who travel to and from campus. These are:

• Bike share – York was the first university in the Greater Toronto Area to partner with Bike Share Toronto and offer three bike share stations on the Keele and Glendon campuses.
• Secure bike parking and repair stations – Two secured bike enclosures on the Keele campus offer peace of mind to cyclists and four do-it-yourself repair stations on Keele and Glendon campuses provide tools for quick fixes.
• Carpool incentives – A partnership with Zipcar enables easy car sharing, and preferred parking at a lower rate is available for those who regularly carpool to campus through the Diamond Pool Parking program.
• Electric vehicle charging stations – There are currently 30-plus + charging stations available at Keele and Glendon campuses.
• Glendon-Keele Shuttle – The shuttle offers service from 7:10 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. to all community members with a valid YU-card.

These benefits are made available through Transportation Services, which has a mission to support the University community through smart transportation options that are consistently evolving.

“The transit options to York have improved enormously since I was a student, with two subway stations to get you to class easier and faster,” said Mike Layton, chief sustainability officer. “Choosing sustainable travel is an great way for community members to contribute to York’s net zero commitment and reduce their personal carbon footprint.”

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