In order for the goals of the Toronto Bike Plan to be realized we need all the sectors of the community to work to encourage cycling. Much attention is focused on the public sector through the building of cycling infrastructure, setting up cycling safety programs and trying to get the transit system to be more cycling friendly. Private businesses can do their part as well to encourage cycling as a form of transportation. The City of Toronto has a program to recognize businesses who do just that. The Bike Friendly Business Awards are an annual set of awards that are presented to local businesses who do their part to encourage cycling to and from their place of business and by their employees as bike commuters.

The Bike Friendly Business Awards have awards in 7 categories:

• Best Bike Parking
• Bicycle-Friendliest Suburban Business
• Bicycle Commute
• Best Small Business (up to 99 employees)
• Best Large Business (100 employees and over)
• Best Skills Development
• Best Overall

People are encouraged to nominate businesses or organizations for awards. Business owners can nominate their own businesses. The nominees are then rated by a panel of judges and the winners are selected. The deadline for nominations for the 2003 Bike Friendly Business Awards is Friday, September 5, 2003, at 5 p.m. You can request a nomination form by calling 416-392-2577. Complete details can be found at the following link: 2003 Bike Friendly business awards

The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Thursday, October 9th, 2003, at 7 p.m. The ceremony is held in the Rotunda of Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.