September is Bike Month!
Join the celebration this fall by taking part in
virtual or physically-distanced events.
Visit www.bikemonth.ca for more information.
Join the Ride and Seek Campaign!
Smart Commute in York Region invites you to pledge to join and explore York Region
in a new and exciting cycling campaign! Visit Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and/or Whitchurch-Stouffville and take a photo from the list of landmarks to win.

Between September 14 and October 9, take part in the “Ride and Seek” scavenger hunt for a chance to win one of six $50 e-gift cards or one grand prize $150 e-gift card.

Participating in the campaign is easy! Pledge to join by clicking the button below, and cycle and share photos of your bike at the pre-selected landmarks across York Region to enter the contest.

Click here to view campaign details.
Learn Tips to Ride and Seek in this Webinar
Smart Commute Central York, Smart Commute North Toronto, Vaughan and Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill bring you the "Ride and Seek" campaign webinar.
Ride and Seek Campaign Webinar
Date: September 16, 2020
Time: 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm

Preview the pre-selected landmarks and highlights of bike infrastructure across York Region, and learn tips for accessing these locations during the campaign.
Check out our most recent cycling webinars, including selecting the right bike for you, practicing cycling safety, and following rules of the road.
Choosing your Bicycle
Cycling Safety
Rules of the Road
Tell us about Changes in your Commute for a
chance to win one of two $20 gift cards
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill wants to hear from you!

Let us know by September 25 if your commute has changed since March 2020, and how you plan to commute to work this fall for a chance to win one of two $20 e-gift cards of your choice!
Call for Bike Parking Suggestions
Have you been cycling this summer to local businesses, parks and landmarks?

Smart Commute MRH is looking for your feedback on bike parking! Send us photos and suggestions of locations in Markham and Richmond Hill where you think more bike parking is needed.

Email info@smartcommutemrh.ca or tag @smartcommutemrh on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram in your photos by September 30 for a chance to win one of two $20 e-gift cards!
Navigating the New Normal Summary
Thank you for participating in our Navigating the New Normal webinar series in July.
Check out the webinars below and learn how to commute sustainably as our communities return to work, or click here to access the Navigating the New Normal guide.
Public Transit and Carpooling
Active Transportation and Telework
67% of webinar participants plan to commute sustainably when adapting
to the new normal upon returning to their workplaces.
(Results are based on polls conducted during the webinars.)
Which modes do you plan to use when returning to work?
33% of respondents each plan to take transit and drive alone back to the office, while 22% plan to telework, and 11% plan to carpool.
How do you plan to stay safe when returning to work?
80% of respondents each plan to use sanitizer or wipes and continue working from home, while 60% plan to maintain physical distancing on transit.
Lake to Lake Cycling Route and
Walking Trail in Richmond Hill
Construction of the Lake to Lake Cycling Route and Walking Trail on Leslie Street continues in Richmond Hill, from Highway 7 East to Bloomington Road.

When complete, this 121 km commuter and recreational trail will link communities, recreational amenities, and transit hubs in York Region and Toronto. 

In Richmond Hill, the Lake to Lake Cycling Route and Walking Trail will intersect with:

  • the Highway 7 bike lanes
  • the Beaver Greenway off-road multi-use trail
  • the paved shoulder on Stouffville Road
  • greenspace, such as Richmond Green and Lake Wilcox Park
  • business parks, such as Beaver Creek, Commerce Valley/Leitchcroft, and Headford

Click here to view progress updates and photos.
Learn the Basics of Bike Maintenance with
Markham Cycles from the Comfort of your Home
Markham Cycles and Markham Public Library are delivering virtual workshops this fall on topics such as maintaining your bike's brakes and chains.

Click here to register for any of the upcoming FREE workshops.

Learn more about Markham Cycles' programs and events here.
Photo credit: Markham Cycles
News and Interesting Reads
  • The annual Markham Cycling Day event has been postponed to June 2021, but you can still enjoy a solo or family bike ride this fall along one of Markham's many trails! Plan your route using the City of Markham's interactive pathway and cycling map.
  • Employees and students returning to work and school mean changes in public transit services and ridership. Click here to learn how to keep yourself and others safe on YRT buses.
  • In June, Statistics Canada conducted a survey on Canadians' reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. One major finding was that 42% of those who took transit prior to the pandemic switched to telework, mainly due to the location of their jobs in urban areas and the nature of their work. Read.
  • Here's a great way to kick off Bike Month: BikeShare Toronto will offer FREE rides to cyclists on Wednesdays, beginning September 2!
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill