Our Story

Bike Friendly Communities is an independent, non-profit co-operative working to transform PEI communities through accessible, interconnected active transportation infrastructure. We believe that all people should feel safe and empowered to choose cycling as a primary mode of transportation. 

BFC’s inception was inspired by the work of local cycling advocate, the late Josh Underhay. Josh had a vision for an interconnected cycling network, not just in Charlottetown, but reaching out into the suburbs and neighbouring municipalities across PEI. This network would be built to accommodate all cyclists and would-be cyclists, including families with children, older persons, immigrants, students, low-income families, those with disabilities, and members of other disadvantaged communities. Josh believed that if we built safe and accessible infrastructure along strategic routes, with each pathway connecting to the next, we would see a significant increase in ridership resulting in benefits to our physical and mental health, our impact on the environment, and our economy. We believe this, too - and significant bodies of research from cycling cities around the world backs this up! In 2019, BFC was founded, mobilizing around Josh’s vision with the goal of seeing it become a reality. 

We envision comprehensive active transportation networks (not just paint!) that make it safe and accessible for all people to choose cycling — not just for sports and recreation, but for making purposeful trips as part of their daily lives. Choosing cycling means participating in a convenient, healthy, and zero emissions transportation option. Our work will transform communities across the Island to make it possible for all Islanders to safely choose cycling, whether commuting to work or school, running errands, or visiting friends and family.