Arcy Canumay

Arcy Canumay: Championing Active Mobility in Waterloo

Arcy Canumay is an urban mobility advocate and active transportation consultant passionate about collaborating with communities to develop sustainable and people-centered mobility solutions. Based in Waterloo, Ontario—a hub of innovation and academic excellence—Arcy is deeply committed to enhancing the livability and accessibility of his city.

Arcy has been actively engaged in local initiatives aimed at making Waterloo a safer and more welcoming environment for people riding their bicycles. His expertise in active transportation and dedication to community-driven solutions have positioned him as a key figure in shaping the future of urban mobility in Waterloo.

His work exemplifies the power of collaboration and the importance of integrating sustainable transportation options into the fabric of our communities. His ongoing efforts to promote cycling and active mobility are helping to create a healthier, more connected, and more vibrant Waterloo for all residents.

Leading the Waterloo Bike Bus Initiative

In early 2023, Arcy co-founded a pioneering initiative in Waterloo: the bicycle bus. Partnering with a friend and fellow parent, he launched a pilot program in June 2023, inviting families to join a weekly bike bus ride every Friday. The inaugural ride saw enthusiastic participation with 18 children and 7 parent/volunteer riders. By the end of the month, the initiative had grown significantly, boasting 34 children and 11 parent/volunteer riders, including Waterloo’s Mayor, Dorothy McCabe.

Safety is paramount in the bike bus program. Emulating the principles of a school bus, the group ensures high visibility and audibility on the roads. The routes predominantly utilize residential streets with a reduced speed limit of 30 km/h, thanks to the support of local city councillors. Additionally, the group coordinates with a crossing guard to ensure safe passage across a busy 4-lane street with a traffic light.

Impact of the Bike Bus

The Waterloo Bike Bus initiative is proving to be a catalyst for positive change in the city’s cycling culture. Anecdotes abound of young children eagerly practicing their cycling skills over the summer break in anticipation of joining the bike bus at the start of the school year. Parents, inspired by their children’s enthusiasm, are dusting off their own bikes, getting them serviced at local bike shops, and joining the movement. The city’s transportation team has also stepped up, ensuring that fall leaves are promptly cleared to maintain safe and accessible routes for the bike bus. Moreover, the initiative’s impact is extending beyond the bike bus itself, with children transitioning to the “big” school now confidently riding their bikes to school, either in groups or independently.

Fostering a Fun and Inclusive Atmosphere

A key element of the bike bus’s success lies in its commitment to creating a fun and enjoyable experience for all participants. Even in challenging weather conditions, such as the chilly bike bus ride on November 22, 2024, with a wind chill of -3°C, the group found ways to stay warm and upbeat, singing along to music as they cycled. This emphasis on fun, coupled with a steadfast commitment to safety, is inspiring a new generation of cyclists in Waterloo, making the choice to ride a bike a natural and enjoyable one. The bike bus is not just a transportation initiative; it’s a movement that is fostering a love for cycling and creating a more vibrant and active community.

Waterloo: Ontario’s Top Cycling City

In 2024, Waterloo proudly claimed the title of the best city for cycling in Ontario, Canada, as ranked by the PeopleForBikes organization. This remarkable achievement is a testament to years of collaborative effort by cycling advocates, elected officials, city staff, organizations, and community members. Their shared vision and dedication have transformed Waterloo into a model city for sustainable transportation and active living.

Waterloo’s success story serves as an inspiration for cities and towns worldwide seeking to embrace the benefits of cycling and create happier, healthier communities. By sharing their experiences and insights, the people of Waterloo hope to empower others to embark on their own journeys toward a more sustainable and vibrant future.

Interested in Starting a Bike Bus or Making Your Community More Cycling-Friendly?

Inspired by the Waterloo Bike Bus? Have questions or want to initiate a similar project in your own community? I’m here to help! Let’s collaborate to make our cities and towns safer and more accessible for cyclists of all ages.

Feel free to reach out to me at arcy.canumay@gmail.com. Let’s work together to create a more vibrant and sustainable future through active transportation!

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