2023-2024 Community Sport for All Initiative
Cycling Canada’s approved initiative for the 2023-2024 Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) from Sport Canada Sport Support Program will focus on supporting HopOn sustainability and capacity at the provincial/territorial level. A component of the funding is directed towards youth cycling festival(s) to promote cycling and the HopOn program and the second component is directed at supporting long term sustainability at the provincial/territorial level. This project aims to reach the following underserved groups: Indigenous, Newcomer, Persons with a Disability, Racialized, Low-Income, Black and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.
Cycling Canada has partnered with seven Provincial/Territorial Cycling Associations (Cycling BC, Manitoba Cycling Association, Cycling Nova Scotia, Cycling PEI, Vélo New Brunswick, Fédération québecoise des sports cyclistes and Ontario Cycling) to launch HopOn youth Cycling festivals across the country. Sport Canada’s Community Sport For All Initiative funding will support the 74+ festivals to over 10,000 participants who will be provided resources and tools to continue their cycling journey beyond the festival(s).
The funding is made possible by the Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) component of the Sport Canada Sport Support Program, which seeks to remove barriers and increase sport participation rates for underrepresented groups.
Cycling BC
# of Festivals: 5
Description: Our festivals will be dynamic events held in both the Lower Mainland and in the South Vancouver Island area, providing a welcoming space for diverse communities to come together and embrace the joy of cycling. This festival will feature a range of activities designed to cater to participants of all ages and abilities. From HopOn cycling activities and instructor mentorship programs to parent engagement sessions, our goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The festival will integrate local cycling affiliated clubs, bike shops, and advocacy groups, fostering collaboration within the cycling community.
Website: https://hopon.cyclingbc.net/
Manitoba Cycling
# of Festivals: 1
Description: The primary objective of a “Youth Cycling Festival” in Manitoba would be to raise awareness about our existing cycling programs and introduce the HopOn program as a grassroots initiative to get more kids involved in cycling. At the festival, participants will have the exciting opportunity to engage in hands-on activities directly inspired by HopOn. Hop on your bike and join in thrilling games designed to enhance your cycling skills. Practice various techniques taught in our summer camps and Kids of Mud club program under the guidance of our experienced instructors. Plus, we have fantastic giveaways lined up for all participants, making this event even more memorable! Get ready for a day filled with fun, and learning as we celebrate the joy of cycling together!
Website: https://mbcycling.ca/youth-cycling-festival/
Ontario Cycling
# of Festivals: 17
Description: The 2024 Ontario HopOn festivals will prioritize increasing opportunities for underserved groups by reducing barriers to access quality sport programming. Led by trained instructors, these festivals will comprise of safe, fun & inclusive on-bike experiences for groups of youth that identify as racialized, low-income, black, newcomers to Canada & indigenous. Groups will participate in a range of HopOn activities that are consistent with their level of development. All instructors have completed the NCCP Community Initiation Coach Pathway, NCCP Safe Sport Training, the Ontario Cycling Backcheck & purchased an Ontario Cycling Membership.
Website: https://ontariocycling.org/grassroots/
Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes
# of Festivals: 30
Description: We are planning two types of HopOn festivals, designed to provide introductory cycling opportunities for children from underprivileged backgrounds. First we will go to schools in regions of Quebec with a high level of socio-economic disadvantage (rating of 9 or 10). This would include 24 to 32 schools in eight regions. Secondly, we would organize cycling activity weeks similar to summer camps, offering five full days of the HopOn program during the summer season. These two festival formats would enable over 4,000 children from diverse communities, such as aboriginal, newcomer, disabled, racialized, low-income, black and 2SLGBTQIA+, to learn to ride a bike. The goal is to create an immersive, enriching experience where kids can learn cycling skills while having fun and creating lasting memories.
Website: https://fqsc.net/embarquez
Vélo New Brunswick
# of Festivals: 6
Description: New Brunswick has a healthy system of single day events throughout the province consisting of cross country mountain bike, mixed surface (gravel) and road fondo’s. These events take place in all corners of the province. Youth club participation is approximately 50%. The foundation of our plan is to turn these single day events into multi day festivals to offer more than “racing” and bring a HopOn festival as an introductory tool in the communities. With each destination, an underserved community along the route will be selected for a HopOn session to be held on the day preceding with the main goal of introducing Velo NB (and Cycling Canada), concept of Cycling Club formation, trail/terrain development and community leadership programs (HopOn).
Website: https://velo.nb.ca/
Cycling Nova Scotia
# of Festivals: 6
Description: We’ve partnered with seven regions across Nova Scotia to introduce HopOn festivals tailored to their communities. These festivals, spanning one to three days, cater to each region’s needs and capacities. Four regions plan to host instructor training sessions, integrating HopOn programming afterward. Additionally, we’ve forged partnerships with two Indigenous communities to facilitate festivals, provide training, and support ongoing initiatives. Our festivals aim to reach underserved communities, especially low-income, to promote awareness and accessibility.
Website: https://cyclingns.ca/helping-kids-learn-to-ride/
Cycling PEI
# of Festivals: 9
Description: Cycling PEI will launch 9 HopOn mini festivals across PEI in the spring and early summer of 2024 to promote HopOn and the joy of cycling to youth across Prince Edward Island. These mini festivals will be followed by full 4-session HopOn courses offered in different parts of PEI where they can be accessed by festival participants. The festivals will provide youth the opportunity to participate in a fun, non-judgmental environment where instructors will meet bikers at their current level and build their confidence for future cycling opportunities.
Website: https://www.cyclingpei.org/news/hubandspokeapr2024