Our History
How GCAT’s Cycling Advocacy Took Off: A Story of Passion, Persistence, and Progress
Written by Yvette Tendick, GCAT Founder and Former President
In 2012, a chance moment at a public meeting about the new Guelph Cycling Master Plan sparked the creation of Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT), a local advocacy group that has since become a powerful force for cycling infrastructure in Guelph. But what began with a few passionate voices and a lot of uncertainty has since grown into a respected organization, celebrated for its long-term vision, commitment, and community impact.
The Spark: A Public Meeting and a Bold Challenge
It all started at a public meeting for a new Guelph cycling master plan. Jennifer Juste, the Transportation Demand Manager at the time, took to the microphone to explain the city’s ambitious vision for a cycling network. The plan sounded promising—but then the late Councillor Bob Bell stood up and pointed out the crucial flaw: “There’s no money attached to this plan.”
His words hit hard. It was clear that without funding, the plan would likely be shelved. I was flabbergasted by this reality, and in that moment, I made a decision to take action. I grabbed a piece of paper, raised my hand, and offered anyone interested in continuing the conversation to sign up with their name and email address. That list became the very first roster for what would later become GCAT.
A Small Start, Big Aspirations
Our initial meetings were held in downtown Guelph at Mike Schreiner’s office and Speed River Bicycle. Here we laid the foundation for what would become a dedicated group of active transportation advocates. Initially, Councillor Bob Bell was a supportive advisor, and our first big project was to push for the Woodlawn multi-use path—an essential piece of infrastructure that didn’t just benefit cyclists, but pedestrians and transit users as well.
Before the path was built, the situation was dire. People walking or taking transit in winter were left to either navigate snow banks with no sidewalks. Cyclists were forced to ride on a very busy arterial.. It wasn’t just inconvenient; it was unsafe. Through numerous delegations and a groundswell of public support, we eventually succeeded in securing funding for the Woodlawn multi-use path.
Building for Longevity: Vision and Values
From the very beginning, our founders shared a common vision: We wanted GCAT to be a group with longevity. We knew that achieving meaningful change would require consistent effort over time. That meant showing up to meetings, whether with city officials or within our own group, week after week, month after month.
A core value was always to engage with the city respectfully. We were in it for the long haul, and we understood that building relationships and trust was key to our success. This steady approach paid off. While we wished progress would have been faster, we’ve seen many successes, including the completion of significant projects, improved cycling infrastructure, and a culture of cycling that has continued to normalize cycling as a safe and fun transportation option in Guelph.
Normalizing Cycling: Fun Rides and Community Building
We also wanted to foster a culture of cycling in our city. We didn’t just want to be about advocacy; we wanted to make cycling a normal, enjoyable part of life in Guelph. To this end, we organized numerous fun, inclusive group rides, such as the Magnolia Ride, the Tweed Ride, and the Two Rivers Festival ride. We also collaborated with other organizations like Open Doors Guelph, where we led bike rides as part of their festivities.
One of our standout efforts was organizing bike rodeos with the Guelph Police and offering bike valet services at events like the Rotary Club Ribfest. These bike valets have evolved over time, and today they look professional and efficient, helping to make cycling an easy, accessible mode of transport for those attending large events.
From Grassroots to Incorporated: Growing the Movement
Three years after our founding, GCAT was officially incorporated. Our first board of directors consisted of Suzanne Gates, Bryan McPherson, Jordan Richard, Luke Weiler, Mike Darmon, (who was still on the GCAT board in 2024) and me. We began to take on memberships. I remember the early days when I personally delivered memberships to people’s homes by bike. It was a simple but meaningful way to build community, and to this day, people still comment on how personal and friendly that approach was.
Our early success in rallying the public behind projects like the Woodlawn multi-use path and the Emma Earl Bridge was made possible by strong community support. We had over 20 delegates speak in favor of the Woodlawn path, and during the Emma Earl Bridge project, we had a significant number of supporters writing letters and attending delegations. This grassroots advocacy was crucial in countering opposition and ensuring that these projects moved forward.
A Lasting Legacy: A Vision Fulfilled
I stayed on the board until 2022, and over the years, I’ve watched the organization evolve. As our board grew, it transitioned from a working board to a more governance-oriented one. The turnover of board members brought fresh perspectives and new energy, and I’m proud to see that the group has remained strong. I feel confident that GCAT will continue to thrive in the years ahead, and I look forward to seeing all the future successes that will come.
The journey that began with a simple list of names has turned into a vibrant, successful organization that continues to advocate for better cycling infrastructure and a more bike-friendly community.