Let’s Bike cycling campaign 2025

Over 30 days, Let’s Bike Month 2025 helped a record number of Ottawans discover the many benefits of cycling–for their health, the environment and a greener, less congested city.

EnviroCentre’s Let’s Bike Month is a proven, Ottawa-based community engagement campaign that supports cycling by driving meaningful behaviour change. Welcoming participants of all ages and cycling skill levels, the program uses a mix of corporate sponsorships, fun local events, educational workshops and social media to foster connection and advocate for cycling as a healthy, low-carbon transportation choice.

Fully adaptable to communities of any size, Let’s Bike supports and celebrates every bike ride. The program’s goal is to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto their bikes–for work, school, errands, or recreation.

The Opportunity

As municipalities like Ottawa look to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions and ease traffic congestion, there is increasing demand for active, healthy and sustainable transportation options.

Cycling is one viable option. But how can communities encourage this shift? While implementing infrastructure changes such as bike lanes and safer street crossings is vital, it’s not enough to change people’s habits.

This is where Let’s Bike Month has played a central role in Ottawa. Through EnviroCentre’s core partnership with the City of Ottawa and the support of area businesses and organizations, we are able to create a positive, month-long focus on cycling through entertaining local events, workshops, and social media campaigns. Together, all of these components foster connection and highlight the benefits of cycling, helping to shift participants’ perspectives and habits.

Would be great to have a quote from someone at the City of Ottawa here about challenges/goals….as well as in the “EnviroCentre’s approach” and “Program Impact” sections.

This is where Let’s Bike Month has played a central role in Ottawa. Through EnviroCentre’s core partnership with the City of Ottawa and the support of area businesses and organizations, we are able to create a positive, month-long focus on cycling through entertaining local events, workshops, and social media campaigns. Together, all of these components foster connection and highlight the benefits of cycling, helping to shift participants’ perspectives and habits.

EnviroCentre’s approach

EnviroCentre partnered with the City of Ottawa and other local sponsors to create an engaging, inclusive Let’s Bike Month 2025 program. Participation was easy; residents simply signed up on the website or app individually or joined a team of cyclists. From there, they could start riding and take part in these key program components:

• Log their rides. For each bike trip they logged on our website or app, riders received positive feedback, along with details on how far they rode, the GHG they averted, and the money they saved. This positive feedback connected their actions to larger climate and health goals, creating added incentives for them to keep cycling. Riders could also see the daily prizes being offered, as well as learn about local events and workshops, and other helpful resources. 
• Attend educational workshops and events. Throughout the month, a mix of fun, informative events and workshops helped residents celebrate their progress and stay connected. We designed workshops and resources to address questions, instill confidence, and foster a sense of being part of a wider cycling community. Topics included tips for navigating Ottawa by bike, family cycling, commuter cycling, bike maintenance, and more.
• Enjoy new community events. EnviroCentre organized several new events throughout this campaign that proved popular with residents.These included community bike rides through eight Ottawa neighborhoods led by local City Councillors, as well as two Trivia Nights.
• Learn about prizes. Thanks to our local sponsors, participants had a chance to win 65 prize donations–gift certificates, items, bike tune-ups or experiences–totaling over $7,006.50.

Program impact: Let’s Bike by the numbers

The Let’s Bike Month 2025 campaign significantly influenced both participants and Ottawa as a whole in its efforts to reduce car trips and promote sustainable transportation and community well-being.

Here’s a look at the program’s impact over 30 days:

Survey results also confirmed Let’s Bike’s positive role in behavior change among riders and the potential for a longer-term commitment to cycling. A survey of participants found that 99% plan to keep cycling after the campaign, indicating a strong shift in personal transportation habits. And participants expressed a high satisfaction level with the overall program, with 96% saying they plan to rejoin it again next year.