Last Tuesday afternoon, two youth were struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles at the intersection of Heron Drive and Hamilton Boulevard near the Arkell neighbourhood. The incident occurred on their bike ride home from school, and they were transported to hospital for medical care. One of the youth was then transported to Vancouver for more intensive treatment.
This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for safer cycling routes in our community. The current bike routes - unlike motor vehicle roadways - are not adequately connected to form year-round continuous and accessible routes. This forces cyclists to use roads with poor, or no, cycling facilities - and as shown in this incident, unprotected crossings. With our population of cyclists increasing and biking around town, it’s absolutely crucial that the City of Whitehorse with other levels of government develop and maintain better year-round infrastructure to keep everyone safe on the roads.
Cycling Association of Yukon (CAY) and the Whitehorse Urban Cycling Coalition (WUCC) call on the City of Whitehorse and the Yukon Government to work together to prioritize a safer environment for our children and all peoples' daily mobility. Our thoughts are with the children and their families during this time.
Candidates Respond to Active Transportation Questions
This week, the Whitehorse Urban Cycling Coalition (WUCC) polled municipal candidates of the upcoming election for their positions and thoughts on Active Transportation in Whitehorse. WUCC is an organization of cyclists interested in working to improve the urban environment to make cycling safer and more accessible for Whitehorse citizens of all ages and abilities. WUCC believes the path forward is through infrastructure improvements, education, and increased communication between the stakeholders of streets and trails.
Below, we've hosted the results of this survey on behalf of WUCC, separated by question. If you prefer to read a collation of all answers by each individual candidate, click here.
1. What is your understanding of the state of active transportation in the City?
2. Given that a substantive portion of Whitehorse’s population does not have the privilege to own and/or operate a private automobile, what are your suggestions to address the transportation inequity of our community?
3. Many Whitehorse residents choose cycling as a year-round transportation option. What are your thoughts regarding prioritizing winter maintenance for vulnerable road users?
4. If elected, what would you do to expedite the implementation of Whitehorse’s Transportation Master Plan, in particular, the goals and implementation strategy (Section 5 & 6)?
A huge thank you to WUCC for developing, sending out, and collating the results of the survey and thanks to all the municipal candidates who took time out of their schedule to answer these important questions!
2024 CAY Board Elected
The Cycling Association of Yukon held its Annual General Meeting this past Wednesday, June 5th.
The 2024 CAY board includes returning board members:
Jane Koepke
Forest Pearson
Steven Biss
Deah Sutton
As well as new board members:
Joshua Tower
Edmund Tan
Rachelle Zral
Jocelyn Land-Murphy
Congratulations to our new and returning board members, and thank you to those who previously served on the board including Colin McCann and Devin Knopf. A huge farewell also goes out to our departing president Geof Harries, who served CAY dutifully for 4 years.
If you'd like to read the full meeting minutes, they can be found HERE.
Underpass Feasibility Study Complete
In 2022, the Cycling Association of Yukon was approached to provide institutional capacity for residents of the Takhini North subdivision and applied for a $50 000 Active Transportation Fund to undertake a study that would determine the feasibility of creating two underpasses on the Alaska highway to connect separated portions of Whitehorse's active transportation network.
The study, carried out by Urban Systems, sought to investigate the merit of constructing two underpasses: One near the airport and another near Takhini North. The study makes a strong case that creating a safe, reliable connection between city subdivisions west and east of the Alaska Highway will have benefits to all residents. The study outlines not only the social, economic, and environmental benefits, but conducts a cost analysis for an undertaking of this magnitude. We are pleased to announce that this study concluded at the end of January 2024 and is now available for all to read.
If you are interested in the future of active transportation for individuals of all abilities in a growing city like Whitehorse, I encourage you to read the full study HERE.
If this study has you inspired and wanting to take action, consider joining a few other dedicated and vocal proponents of change: The Whitehorse Urban Cycling Coalition is a grassroots, community-focused group of individuals seeking to make a difference for active transportation users in the city.
Yukoner Mara Roldan starts the season with her UCI Continental road team
Named as the 2023 National/Territorial Female Athlete of the Year, Yukon cyclist Mara Roldan has signed another contract with Cynisca Cycling, a USA-based UCI Continental road team. This means that Mara will spend her 2024 season racing in the USA and Europe.
Mara is the first Yukoner to sign a professional cycling contract since Zach Bell, and the first ever Yukon woman to achieve this milestone.
In 2023, Mara also had a contract with Cynisca Cycling and proceeded to have an excellent season, including these and other achievements:
1st place - BC Road Cycling Provincial Championships Elite Women, U23
1st place - Thunderbird Circuit Race, Cat 1/2 Women
6th place - Gastown Grand Prix Crit, Elite Women
2nd place - Concord Crit Vancouver, Elite Women
2nd place - Hardwood Hills Canada Cup XCO Short Track, Elite Women
1st place - Shims Crit, Women B
Mara also won a Premier’s Award of Sport Excellence award for her win at the 2023 BC Road Cycling Provincial Championships, as well as National/Territorial Female Athlete of the Year.
For 2024, Mara will be racing at the Redlands Classic and Tour de Gila before heading to France for the Tour de Bretagne and other events. She will return to Quebec for the Canadian Road Championships in June, then return to Europe from July to October. Mara's goal is to represent Canada at the Tour de l'Avenir and the World Championships.
The Yukon is very proud of Mara. Her determination, positive outlook, work ethic and passion for cycling inspires us all.
Yukon wins Cycling Canada Event of the Year
Each year, Cycling Canada recognizes individuals and events that made large impacts in the Canadian cycling community.
Recipients of these annual awards receive a trophy and recognition for their efforts.
Whitehorse Urban Cycling Coalition and Klondike Snowmobile Association develop interim winter maintenance proposal for Hamilton Boulevard Trail
The Whitehorse Urban Cycling Coalition (WUCC), with support from the Cycling Association of Yukon, is pleased to announce the development of an interim winter maintenance proposal with the Klondike Snowmobile Association (KSA) for the Hamilton Boulevard Motorized Multi Use Trail.
Example of excellent, accessible, safe and convenient winter trail surface on Airport trail in winter 2022/23
25% of Whitehorse residents live in the McIntyre, Granger, Copper Ridge, Ingram and Logan subdivisions. The Hamilton Boulevard motorized multi-use trail provides an active transportation route for walkers, cyclists and mobility-assisted people in summer months. However, in winter month, residents of these neighborhood and students attending schools in the area do not have a safe active transportation route to the rest of the city. Furthermore, there are no safe winter routes to access the Canada Games Center by foot, bike or mobility aid.
The Hamilton Boulevard Trail is also an important trail for motorized recreationalists to access to the City’s motorized trail network year-round. The Trail has been maintained in winter for over a decade by Klondike Snowmobile Association as part their trail stewardship program.
Ultimately, there needs to be separated spaces for both motorized recreationalists and active commuters, but this is not achievable in the immediate future. Over the past few winters, the City of Whitehorse has demonstrated they are capable of maintaining a good snow packed surface that is high quality and usable by everyone, including walkers, conventional bicycles, mobility devices and snowmachines. In 2023 the City increased both its operating and capital budget for winter maintenance of the transportation network.
Given last winter’s demonstrated success of the snow packed surface on the Airport Trail, Range Road Trail and Lower Escarpment Trail last winter, WUCC and KSA are pleased to announce they have developed an interim winter maintenance proposal that will make the Hamilton Boulevard Trail more usable by broader spectrum of people, including winter cyclists and snow machines. Although not an ideal solution for either set of users, but we believe this can be a workable interim solution that will allow users to accommodate each other until such time as the separated infrastructure is developed by the City.
This joint-solution has been delivered to the City and we are now waiting for the City to start implementing it. The City has demonstrated they have the capability to do this maintenance; WUCC and KSA to pleased to have found a solution to expanding equity in year-round active mobility for a quarter of Whitehorse’s citizens and year-route active transportation access to the Canada Games Centre.
In 2019 City of Whitehorse declared a Climate Change Emergency. The largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in Whitehorse is from local mobility within the City (Yukon Government, 2023). According to the City’s Sustainability Plan monitoring, the City is not on track with respect to its climate goals, and these goals are at risk with little to no progress.
Photo 1: Example of excellent, accessible, safe and convenient winter trail surface on Airport trail in winter 2022/23
For over 5 years, citizens have been pleading with the City to provide year-round winter maintenance on the Hamilton Boulevard trail so they have a usable, safe space to cycle commute in winter. The community is becoming increasingly frustrated at the City’s lack of action, inadequate and inequitable service on this matter.
Background
City Council has made both climate action and accessibility strategic priorities (2022-2024 Strategic Priorities). Year-round, equitable active transportation is the core of the Transportation and Mobility Goals and Policies in the OCP. Citizens are eager to be part of the climate solution – many wish to choose cycling year-round for some of their trips to reduce their carbon footprint. Some citizens may choose to travel by bike for other reasons, including not having the privilege to operate a motor vehicle.
Right now, the socio-economically diverse neighbourhoods of McIntyre, Ingram, Logan, Copper Ridge and Granger do not have any year-round safe spaces to travel by active transportation. These neighbourhoods constitute almost 25% of the City’s residents, and they do not have a safe way to cycle from their homes to school, work, the Canada Games Centre, get groceries, and other amenities in downtown.
The maintenance that KSA provides for the Hamilton Boulevard is not usable for active transportation in winter, and as a volunteer organization, they do not have the capacity nor mandate to this.
In winter 2022/23 the City demonstrated they can maintain multi-use paths with hard-packed snow surface without grit application the Lower Escarpment Trail, the Airport Trail and Range Road/Alaska Highway trail were all maintained this way and were excellent for winter cycling (even better than gritted trails) and also usable surface for snow machines. This winter shared use in practice had been functionally in effect for several years on the Crestview-Porter Creek multi use trail.
Also in the 2023, the City approved both capital and substantively increased operating budgets for the winter maintenance of active transportation routes.
In summary, the City now has the budget, equipment and demonstrated capability to plow the Hamiton Blvd trail such that it can be used for both snowmachine out-and-away travel and winter cycle commuting.
The Request
Photo 2: Year-round maintenance of active transportation routes is not just for cyclists. This citizen has no safe space to travel in.
In the long-term, there needs to be separate spaces for winter cycling and motorized (snowmachine) out-and-away travel. We recognize that development of the separated space is not achievable for this winter, and thus propose a shared-use model that works for both sets of users. Although not ideal for either user group, both groups are prepared to be accommodating such that the groups’ mobility needs are met in the interim. KSA is supportive of this proposal. It is the cycling community’s view that in the long-term, separated spaces are needed. Thus, this proposal is to be clearly seen an interim strategy:
That the City of Whitehorse provide plowing of the Hamilton Boulevard (and Hillcrest Connector*) Multi-Use trail, leaving a hard packed snow surface, as was done in winter 2022/23 on the Lower Escarpment, Airport and Range Road/Alaska Highways MUPs.
No grit shall be applied.
At the onset of winter, allow small snowfalls (i.e. <2cm) to accumulate on the path and be naturally packed by users to establish a base.
Once a base is established, do not plow to asphalt, but leave the hard packed snow base intact.
Plow to ensure that no time shall more than 2 cm of loose snow accumulate on the trail (this includes windblown snow)
Windrows at intersections shall be removed, including ensuring access to beg buttons.
The hard-packed, un-gritted surface is usable by snowmachines and is an excellent surface for winter cycling. Once the snow cover is in place, the rilled blade can be used to provide addition traction, or the surface if it becomes icy and requires renovation.
WUCC will provide user-based monitoring of conditions and issues over the course of the winter.
By providing usable winter maintenance to these key active transportation routes, the City will be able to proudly stand up and demonstrate to citizens a tangible and meaningful action on climate change, inclusion and accessibility.
The KSA is the steward of the motorized multi-use trail system in Whitehorse. As such, they support the proposal for the interim maintenance program as described here and jointly assessing the success with the City and the various user groups.
*Including of the Hillcrest connector is an important part of this winter maintenance strategy so there is connectivity between Hillcrest, the elementary school, and the Hamilton Blvd MUP.
2023 was a HUGE year for Cycling Association of Yukon (CAY) and the Yukon cycling community in general.
Not only did we successfully host a national-level mountain bike race, but collectively we grew cycling in more Yukon communities and saw a massive amount of people learn to love and re-discover the joy of riding a bike.
In particular, the CAY board wishes to celebrate the following milestones and achievements.
Growth of the HopOn kids cycling program
Together with Cycling Canada, Government of Yukon, Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon (RPAY), Terra Riders, Village of Teslin and City of Dawson, we were able to run the HopOn kids cycling program in Teslin, Dawson and Whitehorse.
Between these 3 locations, we got over 40 kids on bikes who in turn learned how to ride safely and with more confidence. We are looking to run HopOn again in these communities and expand HopOn to more places in 2024.
2023 Canadian Cross-Country Marathon Mountain Bike Championships
82 mountain biker racers participated (50% were from Yukon) including athletes of all ages from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. More than 200 spectators attended the event, and 40 volunteers made the magic happen.
From a sport tourism economic impact perspective, the 2023 Canadian XCM MTB Championships brought over $175,000 in revenue to Whitehorse and the Yukon cycling community.
Yukon Bike Fest ran from August 26 to September 4 and resulted in a week of 1,500 people (of all ages, abilities and backgrounds) on and around bikes in Whitehorse. Together we shared stories, made friends, re-connected with friends from long ago, and experienced new places, challenges and inspired one another.
From bike polo to trail building, movie nights to shuttle runs and downhill races to cookie-fuelled kids events, Yukon Bike Fest was an incredible week of cycling-related festivities.
All told, 28 events were held in Whitehorse, Teslin, Haines Junction and Dawson City, across nearly all cycling disciplines.
The 3rd annual Yukon Energy Midnight Dome Enduro took place in Dawson where more than 30 mountain bikers – close to 50% who were under the age of 17 – participated. This year, the City of Dawson took over the event from CAY which is amazing!
The Cadence Cycle Monster Enduro also returned for its 3rd year and challenged more than 20 mountain bikers to a tough yet fun and rewarding technical course (and delicious post-event BBQ, naturally).
Velonorth Cycling Club organized an incredible 5 events from April to October. Their efforts resulted in more than 70 gravel, cyclocross and road cyclists buying a CAY membership and being part of the Yukon cycling community.
CMBC volunteers also led trail development and maintenance activities on countless Whitehorse mountain bike trails. Thank you CMBC!
U Kon Echelon had more than 20 club members participate in their youth-focused rides and programs.
Thanks finally to Bobby Prematunga, Velonorth Cycling Club and Steven Biss for organizing group rides, inclusive events and training programs that appealed to so many people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
New video - Together on the Trail: Mountain Biking in the Land of the Midnight Sun
Filmed during the summer of 2023, and presented by Cycling Canada and Air North, Yukon's Airline, this movie showcases the unique mountain bike community that’s grown in the Yukon.
The movie goes from Carcross to Whitehorse and onto Dawson City to see how the sport has captured hearts and created connections across the territory.
New video - Stan's Presents | Fast & Slow
Travel alongside pro-off-road bike racers, Haley Smith and Andrew L’Esperance, to Whitehorse as they chase twin titles for men and women’s Canadian XCM MTB Championships and get to the heart of what makes the Yukon a special place to ride.
Improvements to urban cycling support and infrastructure
Thanks to the tireless support and advocacy of Whitehorse Urban Cycling Coalition, there were many key initiatives that occurred in 2023:
Design and installation of the “quick build” Chilkoot Way active transportation protected bike lanes by City of Whitehorse.
Replacement of the wooden boardwalk along the Whitehorse Waterfront Trail (by Hanson Street) with a safer, more accessible version.
Improved snow maintenance on Hamilton Boulevard in collaboration with Klondike Snowmobile Association and City of Whitehorse.
Ongoing improvements to and conversations with City of Whitehorse about snow maintenance on Millennium Trail, Waterfront Trail and Robert Service Way paths.
Participation in Active Commute Week with City of Whitehorse and CAY.
Participation with City of Whitehorse about the Transportation Master Plan and operating budget for snow clearing and path maintenance.
Participation with Government of Yukon about the Motor Vehicles Act re-write.
Participation in the nation-wide Pedal Poll initiative.
Showing of The Engine Inside film during Yukon Bike Fest where over 50 people attended.
Team Yukon mountain bike training program
The CAY Team Yukon mountain bike training program, led by head coach Hudson Lucier continues to thrive since its start in 2021. We consistently have upwards of 10 youth participating throughout the year including winter and summer training and group rides.
Prior to the Canadian XCM MTB Championships, and as part of Yukon Bike Fest, pro mountain bikers Haley Smith and Andrew L’Esperance spent
an evening with the team and others learning, riding and hanging out.
In September, 5 youth from the program went to Whistler, BC where they were instructed by Blueprint Athlete Development coaches. Together they built skills and further developed their bike handling and descending abilities in the Whistler Bike Park.
Membership growth and diversity
In 2023, CAY recorded its highest ever number of members at 280 people!
Our previous highest membership total was 246, almost 10 years ago in 2014.
We’ve been consistently growing since 2021 thanks to increased and diversified programming, events and community support. We really appreciate everyone who buys a membership!
Here are some interesting facts about the 2023 CAY memberships:
33% of members identify as female.
Over 30% of our members are 17 years of age or younger. The average age of a CAY member is 34 years old.
18% of our members live in a community outside Whitehorse.
Of the 280 members, 10 signed up as Yukon Cycling Supporters. These memberships are geared towards those who commute by bike and/or don't want to attend events or participate in programs, but still desire to be part of the Yukon cycling community.
Social media and email newsletter growth
During 2023, CAY’s communication touch-points all grew by a significant amount. We are up to:
489 email newsletter subscribers
312 Instagram followers
441 Facebook members
We will continue to share news and announcements via these channels. Thanks to those who share and like what we post on Instagram and Facebook. If you haven’t done so already, consider subscribing to our email newsletter.
Revenue diversification and organizational health
Traditionally, the CAY board has mainly relied on Yukon government funding to operate the organization and run programs, events and club support. Since 2020, we have been working to diversify our revenue sources.
As a result, CAY now relies on a more robust mix of memberships, programs and event registrations, business sponsorships and donations, Yukon government funding and other funding partners in order to do what we do.
From an organizational perspective, these behind-the-scenes changes set us up for a stronger, more sustainable future to encourage and grow Yukon cycling.
Thank you, everyone
A heartfelt thank you from the CAY board to everyone who buys a membership, rides their bike, volunteers their time, reads our newsletter and follows and shares with us on social media.
We are actively planning for this year's events, programs and support. Email info@yukoncycling.com
if you have ideas, comments or questions.
Ride almost 240 km, whether solo or on a team, upon a beautifully smooth highway from Haines Junction, Yukon to Haines, Alaska. KCIBR takes place close to the Yukon summer solstice and draws 1,200 cyclists to the event.
How to host a Yukon cycling event: Presentation
On December 10, CAY hosted an online discussion about how to host a Yukon cycling event.
2023 Yukon Bike Fest and Canadian XCM MTB Championships wrap-up and thanks
The 2023 Yukon Bike Fest and Canadian XCM MTB Championships were spectacular. A week of 1,500 people on and around bikes, sharing stories, making friends, re-connecting with friends from long ago, experiencing new places and inspiring one another.
Together, we created a legacy for cycling in the Yukon.
None of it would have been possible without hundreds of volunteers, our events crew and all of the athletes (82 racers!) from across Canada, coaches, spectators, supporters and families who participated in Yukon Bike Fest and the Canadian XCM MTB Championships.
We also want to thank our partners, sponsors and funders. These are the people and organizations who believed in our vision and supported us to make it happen, many of whom began this journey with us two or more years ago.
Looking back, CAY is thankful, but also very proud. We're beaming with pride for our community, those who took part and the privilege to live and ride bikes where we do.
A profound, wholehearted, extra special appreciation goes out to:
Results, videos, news and photos from 2023 Canadian XCM MTB Championships and Yukon Bike Fest
We've been gathering all of the images, news and videos from this past weekend's 2023 Canadian XCM MTB Championships event held in Whitehorse, Yukon. There are also assets from Yukon Bike Fest.
It was an epic week, so we have a LOT!
At the end, we got 1,500 people on and around bikes, sharing stories, making friends, re-connecting with friends from long ago, experiencing new places and inspiring one another.
While the Yukon was already on the radar for a lot of mountain bikers, now that interest has been turned way up! Thanks to the influence of Cycling Canada, professional athletes and teams, sponsors and partners and everyone who talked about their trip north, Whitehorse's profile as a cycling destination is now even bigger.
Together on the Trail: Mountain Biking in the Land of the Midnight Sun
Filmed during the summer of 2023, presented by Cycling Canada and Air North, Yukon's Airline, this movie showcases the unique mountain bike community that’s grown in the Yukon.
Travel from Carcross to Whitehorse and onto Dawson City to see how the sport has captured hearts and created connections across the territory.
Stan's Presents | Fast & Slow
Travel alongside pro off-road bike racers, Haley Smith and Andrew L’Esperance, to Canada’s rugged north as they chase twin titles for men and women’s National XC Marathon MTB Championships and get to the heart of what makes the Yukon a special place to ride.
Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners
Presenting sponsors
Community sponsors
Funding partners
Register for HopOn kids cycling program
Registration for our HopOn kids cycling program is open with a 2-week session in Whitehorse going from September 5 to September 14, 2023.
HopOn is a games-based cycling
program, run in partnership with Cycling Canada that teaches school-aged
kids across our country the joys of cycling safely.
Register for Yukon Bike Fest events and activities
Cycling Association of Yukon and our awesome friends, clubs, sponsors and funding partners have organized Yukon Bike Fest!
This is a huge, week-long series of fun events that start on Saturday, August 26 and end on Monday, September 4, all to celebrate people on bikes.
From kids to adults, gravel riders to mountain bikers, downhill to cross-country, bike commuters to racers (including 2 film premieres, so movie-lovers too!) there’s a full schedule of events for Yukon Bike Fest, with something happening most every day.
Yukon Bike Fest surrounds the 2023 Canadian XCM MTB Championships happening in Whitehorse on Sunday, September 3 at Mt. McIntyre. Registration for the Canadian XCM MTB Championships ends on August 29.
For more information and to register for Yukon Bike Fest activities, most of which are FREE go to the event page for Yukon Bike Fest.
Just use promo code LetsRaceYukon! when you sign up by July 31, 2023.
Win a Fox Suspension prize pack
Register for the Canadian XCM MTB Championships by July 31 and be entered into a draw to win a $3,000 Fox Suspension prize pack (fork, dropper post and shock)!
The winner will be able to choose their specifications, subject to stock and availability. All those who sign up before July 31 can participate.
Course distance and difficulty
There are course distance options of 90 km, 60 km and 30 km (each lap is about 30 km).
For the youngest riders, the course is 20 km and excludes the difficult sections. There will also be ride-arounds for the more challenging features on the full Marathon course.
On June 13, 2023 Cycling Association of Yukon held its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The 2023 CAY board includes:
Jane Koepke
Forest Pearson
Devin Knopf
Steven Biss
Deah Sutton
Colin McCann
Geof Harries
Congratulations to our new and returning board members, and thank you to those who previously served on the board including Sue Richards, Jan Downing and Brenda Jenner.
Canada invests in study of safe active transportation options under the Alaska Highway
Whitehorse, Yukon, June 9, 2023 — Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, announced a federal investment of $50,000 to support community-led efforts to study active transportation in two neighbourhoods along the Alaska Highway in Whitehorse.
The Alaska Highway divides Whitehorse and creates a barrier to accessing services, community recreational facilities, schools and impacts the movements of residents of all ages. This investment will support an active transportation feasibility study undertaken by the Cycling Association of Yukon and supported by Takhini residents, the Hillcrest Community Association, and the Whitehorse Urban Cycling Coalition.
This feasibility study will inform future decisions on how to increase pedestrian safety along the Alaska Highway in Whitehorse. It will explore design considerations, associated costs, and the benefits the community will experience from building active transportation underpasses in two strategic locations under the highway that are safe, convenient, and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Funding announced today contributes to Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy by supporting planning and engagement activities that will help expand networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
Quotes
“Our support for this feasibility study will inform the next steps to build a more connected, accessible and safe community in Whitehorse. I want to commend the persistence and dedication of community leaders in working towards a greener and more inclusive community.”
Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“Our neighbourhood sits across the Alaska Highway from a vast network of trails that are used for hiking, biking, skiing. People risk their lives regularly to cross the highway on foot rather than get in their cars to drive to the trails. I have seen up to 8 people crossing at one time. We need an alternative route, especially if the highway is widened in the coming years. An underpass will provide a safe crossing to the trails and contribute one small part to reducing use of cars and mitigating climate change. The underpass will also help provide a safe active transportation connection to isolated and under-serviced neighborhoods. The feasibility study is the first step to that end.”
Jan Horton, Takhini resident and steering committee member
Quick facts
The Government of Canada is investing $50,000 in this project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF).
Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity, and includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.
The Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient and more enjoyable, in support of Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy.
Municipal governments, local and regional governments such as service districts, and Indigenous organizations are eligible recipients. Provinces, territories, and not-for-profit organizations are also eligible in specific circumstances.
The Active Transportation Fund complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. The plan commits the federal government to providing permanent federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation options available in every community.
Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy is the country's first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks and to create safe environments for more equitable, healthy, active and sustainable travel options to thrive.
Active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, creating good middle-class jobs, growing the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, advancing equity amongst vulnerable Canadians, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in safer active transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can access jobs and services and connect with their communities.
The Government of Canada is investing $14.9 billion over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This funding includes $3 billion per year in permanent, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-27.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $24.8 billion in transit projects across the country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Jean-Sébastien Comeau Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities 343-574-8116 Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca
Everyone is invited to participate in the Active Commute Week, June 5 to 9, 2023.
The challenge will be to accumulate the most distance travelled using active transportation and competing against other neighbourhoods. The grand prize is a City of Whitehorse-catered BBQ lunch with distinguished guests.
The goal is to double, by 2030, the proportion of trips taken using active transportation and low-carbon support options like taking transit and carpooling. Also, to reduce GHG emissions and improve healthy lifestyles using a practical, low-impact transportation system in Whitehorse.
The public can register and log their kilometres travelled. Support stations, biking and walking workshops and the RunNation Film Festival movie night are all part of this fun week.
Register for the 2023 Canadian XCM MTB Championships
Cycling Association of Yukon (CAY) in collaboration with All Mountain Productions and Consulting Inc. and sanctioned by Cycling Canada, are excited to announce that registration for the 2023 Canadian Cross-Country Marathon Mountain Bike Championships is now open.
From September 1 until September 3, on Mt McIntyre trails in the heart of Whitehorse, Yukon, CAY will host many of Canada’s top cross-country racers and riders, all duking it out for the coveted maple leaf jersey and National Champion title. The excitement doesn’t stop there though.
Throughout the week leading up, CAY, and local clubs and partners will be hosting a multitude of fun and exciting bike events. From a two-part gravel and mountain bike event, to a shuttle night, to the post-Championship gravel recovery ride, there will be plenty of great bike activities going on in and around the event week.
As a Cycling Canada sanctioned event, important UCI points will be on offer for both the Elite Women’s and Men’s fields. Taking on a total race distance of just over 90 km, including over 1500 m of climbing, the stage is set for the fastest racers in Canada to put it all on the line in their pursuit of glory.
This event isn’t just for the pros though, ‘challenge categories’ (unsanctioned categories) will give all riders from U13 right through to the Masters 65+, an opportunity to put their fitness to the test on this world-class course. With a total of 18 challenge categories, there is something for everyone.
Donate to Singletrack to Success: Get a pair of socks
There will be 4 Carcross youth hired to the S2S crew this summer, and your contribution helps fund the crew to maintain and improve the Montana Mountain trails we love so much.
Socks can be picked up at Icycle Sports in Carcross after June 1.
Registration for our HopOn kids cycling program is open with sessions starting in May in Teslin, Dawson and Whitehorse.
HopOn is a games-based cycling
program, run in partnership with Cycling Canada that teaches school-aged
kids across our country the joys of cycling safely.
Register for 2023 Yukon Mountain Bike Team
Registration is open for the 2023 Yukon Mountain Bike Team program.
Sessions run from May to August, twice a week. For ages 14 and older.
2022 was a significant year for Cycling Association of Yukon (CAY) which began with a change of leadership at the board level. The new board adapted how we operated to better serve all Yukon cyclists, while continuing to grow and develop as an organization.
Thanks to the work, commitment and passion of the following people, we are now in a stronger position to meet our goals and further grow the Yukon cycling community.
The 219 cyclists who registered as CAY members. We had cyclists as young as 5 years old, and up to 75 years of age.
The generous sponsors and partners that included national organizations, government funders and local businesses who offered their ongoing financial support.
The coaches, teams and athletes who made us all proud in competition, including those who represented the Yukon at the 2022 Canada Summer Games. A special congratulations to Mara Roldan who finished 5th in the women’s road cycling race.
The many volunteers at clubs, events, teams, programs and from the CAY board who tirelessly promoted and donated their time to the Yukon cycling community.
By the numbers
23 events were held in Whitehorse, Haines Junction and Dawson City, across nearly all cycling disciplines.
Over 20% of our members lived in a community outside Whitehorse.
Over 30% of our members were 17 years of age or younger. The average age of a CAY member was 33 years old.
In the fall of 2022, we put out a survey to help us understand what worked and what we can improve. 52 people responded, and here’s what we learned.
The most popular disciplines of cycling were cross-country, enduro and downhill mountain biking, gravel and road cycling, fat biking and commuting by bike to work, school and for errands.
We can do a better job to make events more inclusive and welcoming, including social group rides, non-competitive activities and in communities outside Whitehorse.
We can use our position to further lobby and advocate for safer and better connected cycling pathways, trails and commuting options to get more people riding bikes, every day, everywhere.
We can offer more kids, athlete and coach development support and programs.
What’s been happening?
We’ve created a new category of CAY membership called the Yukon Cycling Supporter. This is geared towards those who commute by bike and/or don't want to attend events or participate in programs, but still desire to be part of the Yukon cycling community.
A heartfelt thank you from the CAY board to everyone who buys a membership, rides their bike, volunteers their time, reads our newsletter and follows us on social media. We sincerely appreciate your support.
Prices are higher than in 2022, and for that the board wishes to offer some background information.
Over the past 2 years, as with most sporting and service organizations our costs have increased dramatically. Insurance coverage and inflation present particular challenges.
To continue building and supporting the Yukon cycling community, we need to raise our prices to cover these expenses.
At the same time, CAY has to strategically keep certain membership types (Youth general and Yukon Cycling Supporter) at a reduced cost. We do this to increase accessibility and lower the barrier of entry into our sport.
Youth and Yukon Cycling Supporter memberships
In 2022, youth represented 31% of all CAY memberships sold. This is a key, long-term growth segment.
The Yukon Cycling Supporter membership is new, and geared towards those who commute by bike and/or don't want to attend events or participate in programs, but still desire to be part of the Yukon cycling community.
The more members that CAY has, the stronger our voice and the more influential our position is to make a positive impact for all Yukon cyclists.
2023 membership cost breakdown
Expense
Adult general
Youth general
Adult UCI Race
Youth UCI Race
Yukon Cycling Supporter
Single event
Comprehensive general liability and sport accident insurance, cost per membership
$30.02
$30.02
$30.02
$30.02
$0
$2.00
Cycling Canada affiliation fee, cost per membership
$2.50
$2.50
$22.00
$5.00
$2.50
$2.50
Directors and Officers insurance for CAY board, cost per membership
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$0
$15.00
Yukon cycling supporter fee, cost per membership
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
Offset expense of lower cost Youth general and Yukon Cycling Supporter memberships
$5.00
$5.00
$5.00
$5.00
$0
$5.00
Total cost required, per membership
$62.52
$62.52
$82.02
$65.02
$12.50
$34.50
2023 CAY membership fee
$75.00
$50.00
$90.00
$70.00
$10.00
$40.00
Revenue generated, per membership
$12.48
-$12.52
$7.98
$4.98
-$2.50
$5.50
The above table shows CAY costs per membership next to
the revenue generated from each sale. In the case of Youth general and
Yukon Cycling Supporter memberships, on each of these sales we lose
money but make up for those deficits with other types of memberships
sold.
Trends in CAY membership over time
Since 2014 there have been noticeable changes in the profile of CAY memberships sold.
The number of youth memberships sold has been increasing
The average age of a member has been decreasing (getting younger)
The more CAY hosts and supports events and programs outside of Whitehorse, the more Yukon youth we get on bikes
The number of female memberships sold has been decreasing
CAY revenues and expenses have both increased significantly since 2021, and are trending upwards
Revenues are used to help pay for programs, events, affiliate club
and community funding support, administration and the ongoing
operations of CAY.
In summary
The CAY board wants to ensure that the organization is in a healthy financial position for years to come.
Our investments made now in youth and recreational cycling - including a renewed focus on connecting with people who identify as female - will help in this regard. We desire a future with increased diversity, participation and reach.
It is our hope that, together we can develop, promote and grow the sport of cycling in Yukon for everyone.
Help KCIBR: Join the Board of Directors
The Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay (KCIBR) marks the spectacular peak/or beginning of summer.
Days are long, and the alpine scenery on the Haines Highway is stunning.
Many have taken part over 25 years, with fond memories of riding the passes, cheering teammates on, and celebrating in Haines, Alaska. This event has thrived partly due to a committed, well established board of directors who love cycling, are actively involved, and who deeply care about making this race a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
Join us! We welcome new members who are interested in cycling, enjoy working on a team, want to be part of a great community and may have fresh ideas to bring to the table.
Serving on the board takes a little time, but not too much.
Here’s what’s involved:
One-hour monthly meetings beginning in early fall, ending in late June
Communicating via email weekly or bi-weekly
One fall weekend planning meeting (with yummy food)
Option of joining a sub-committee for projects or specific tasks as needed
We’d love to hear from you. If you would like to join our Board of Directors, please email the board president, Rob Welton at rob@kcibr.org.
HopOn is a games-based cycling program, run in partnership with Cycling Canada that teaches school-aged kids across our country the joys of cycling safely.
We are offering beginner, intermediate and advanced courses.
2023 Canadian XCM MTB Championships coming to Whitehorse
Cycling Association of Yukon is thrilled to announce that, in collaboration with Cycling Canada the 2023 Canadian XCM MTB Championships will be coming to Whitehorse from September 1 to 3, 2023.
“We are thrilled to confirm the dates and locations of our 2023 Canadian Championships calendar,” said Josh Peacock, Director of Marketing & Events at Cycling Canada. “The 2023 Championship calendar represents an exciting expansion of the Canadian Championship portfolio into new territory, reaching as far east as Nova Scotia and as far north as Yukon for the first time. Our local organizing committees across the country have been selected as some of the best in the business to showcase each respective discipline at the highest level on the Canadian domestic calendar and we’re thrilled to see these events come to life.”
Mountain bike athletes from across Canada will be looking to secure Canadian titles in the Cross-Country Marathon (XCM) discipline. XCM courses typically range between 65km and 120km in distance. The first person to cross the line will be awarded the coveted maple leaf jersey and will become the new Canadian Champion.
The 2023 event will challenge athletes with a course that showcases our incredible mountain bike trails, set against a wilderness backdrop that captures hearts and imagination of visitors from around the world.
The XCM MTB Championships will begin on Friday, September 1 and conclude on Sunday, September 3. Local racers will get a chance to compete against the best mountain bikers in the country. There will be youth and family-friendly events to make the weekend into a true celebration of people riding bikes.
The decision by Cycling Canada to bring the XCM Championships to Whitehorse speaks to the success of our community’s investment in trail development and infrastructure, cycling programs and events, and the Yukon’s enthusiasm for the sport.
Register for Dawson City enduro and gravel events
Join us in Dawson City on August 20 and 21, 2022 for the 2nd annual Yukon Energy Midnight Dome Enduro and our brand new event, Icycle Sports Top of the World Gravel. Registration for both events is open.
On June 13, 2022 Cycling Association of Yukon held its Annual General Meeting (AGM). Over 30 people attended.
As there were a number of nominations, board selection came down to a vote for most positions. The 2022 CAY board includes:
President - Geof Harries
Vice President - Sue Richards
Secretary - Jan Downing
Treasurer - Jane Koepke
Director - Forest Pearson
Director - Brenda Jenner
Director - Devin Knopf
Director - Steven Biss
Congratulations to our new and returning board members, and thank you to those who previously served on the board.
Construction activities on Haeckel Hill in Whitehorse
Eagle Hill Energy (a Kwanlin Dun company) is building the Haeckel Hill Wind Project. Four new-generation wind turbines will provide renewable winter energy to the Yukon grid.
During the summers of 2022 and 2023 there will be on-site construction and road improvements requiring the movement of heavy equipment and materials up the Haeckel Hill Access Road in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Eagle Hill Energy is encouraging the public (including cyclists) to avoid the area during this time, and they will be closing the road periodically for everyone’s safety. They are committed to working with user groups to explore if there are opportunities for their activities to continue safely during construction. In a couple of years, the road will be in better condition for everyone.
For more information about the project, go to chuniikwan.ca/eagle-hill-energy.
Cycling Association of Yukon AGM
The Cycling Association of Yukon Annual General Meeting for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2022 will take place on June 13, 2022.
Join us in person or online via Zoom.
Hiring: Mountain Bike Head Coach
Cycling Association of Yukon is seeking to hire a Mountain Bike Head Coach to start May 1, 2022 and finish March 31, 2023.
Applicants are expected to coach and train mountain bike athletes (under the age of 23 years old) for in Territory and out of Territory races, competitions and events (including but not limited to Canada Summer Games 2022, Provincial Championships and other events).
Interested applicants shall email a 1-page resume of experience and qualifications (PDF or Word document) to info@yukoncycling.com by April 26, 2022, 23:00 hrs YDT.
Questions
Question related to this position can be directed to Geof Harries, President of CAY at info@yukoncycling.com.
Register for the Yukon Mountain Bike Team
Registration for our Yukon Mountain Bike Team program is now open.
Get an Elite or Competition membership to train 2 or 3 days per week with our high performance coaches.
Training starts on May 10, 2022.
Looking for HopOn Canada instructors in Yukon
Cycling Association of Yukon (CAY) is recruiting instructors for our HopOn kids cycling program scheduled to take place in Whitehorse through May and June 2022.
We ran a pilot program of HopOn in 2021, and our spots sold out in less than 48 hours. This year we're going bigger.
If you would like to share your enthusiasm for cycling with kids in Whitehorse and are interested in part-time work for a few weeks, keep reading!
What is HopOn?
HopOn is a games-based cycling program that teaches school-aged kids across Canada the joys of cycling safely.
The program will be run for kids aged 6 to 12 years old following the HopOn levels plan.
Who are we looking for?
Instructors
CAY is recruiting instructors to deliver 6 HopOn sessions (twice a week for 3 weeks) in May and June 2022.
Instructing involves demonstrating bike skills and activities, helping and encouraging kids with their bike skills and ensuring participant safety during the sessions.
You must be at least 14 years old.
How much will you be paid?
You will be paid $30 per session by CAY, plus all of your training hours.
What's the commitment?
Take the training
Complete online courses in April (about 8 hours worth).
All of your training hours and your CAY annual membership will be covered by CAY.
HopOn sessions
Sessions will run for 3 weeks from May to June 2021.
2 sessions per week, after school.
Whitehorse location, to be determined.
If you would like to join our Yukon HopOn team or have any questions about the program, contact info@yukoncycling.com.
Become a licensed UCI Commissaire
A number of UCI Commissaire training courses are now available to take online. There are courses available for BMX, mountain bike and road cycling.
Courses are being run by Alberta Bicycle Association and facilitated by Cycling Canada.
All registration costs will be reimbursed by Cycling Association of Yukon.
Enroll in course
For more information, contact info@yukoncycling.com.
Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA) courses in Whitehorse
If you want to get a job as a mountain bike instructor, upgrade your teaching skills or simply improve your own riding, PMBIA courses are where it's at.
CAY will organize the courses and fly PMBIA instructors to the Yukon. All you’re responsible for is paying for the PMBIA registration fee, saving you and everyone else travel and accommodation costs.
You must be 15 years old to participate.
Spots are limited, so register today!
Ride in Matt’s Aklavik Icebreaker
On April 10, the Inuvik Cycling Club is hosting the 2nd Annual Matt’s Aklavik Icebreaker.
Matt's Aklavik Icebreaker is a supported 120km group bicycle ride from Inuvik to the remote community of Aklavik on the ice road for mental health awareness.
Riders will cycle on Mackenzie Delta river network with spectacular views of the Richardson Mountains along the way. Pictures don’t do this ride justice–you have to experience the environment firsthand.
Prior to departure, mental health professionals from various community organizations will talk about mental health and highlight available resources for those in need.
Together we will work toward ending negative stereotypes associated with mental illness, let everybody know that ‘it’s ok to not feel ok,’ and communicate where people can access support.
The event is named after former ICC member Matt Hamilton, who originally conceived the idea of organizing a group ride to Aklavik. Tragically, Matt died February of 2021.
Email 911chris.bruckner@gmail.com for more information.
2022 Canada Summer Games Team Yukon cycling athlete selection criteria published
The snowy season is upon us and Cycling Association of Yukon wants to rally fat bikers to celebrate.
The Fat Bike Rally is a free event on Nov. 27 that’s focused on fun and participation.
Whether you’ve been riding a fat bike since the Pugsley days or last week miraculously found something on the buy and sell, the Fat Bike Rally is for everyone.
The Rally starts at 2 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m., and you can show up anytime during this range.
Come by yourself or with friends and family and meet new people. There will be free hot chocolate, coffee and snacks.
Bring your own mug, mask and your proof of vaccination.
When you’re ready to ride, do as many laps as you want of the 5 kilometre course at the Gunnar Nilsson and Mikey Lammers Research Forest trails.
In case you’ve not ridden there, the Research Forest is about 20 minutes north of downtown Whitehorse. The trail system is beginner-friendly and includes a scenic route that overlooks the Takhini River.
To register for the Fat Bike Rally, roll over to the event page.
Mountain bikers shred the Midnight Dome Enduro
Nearly 40 mountain bikers took part in Cycling Association of Yukon and Dawson City’s first-ever Midnight Dome Enduro on August 21, 2021.
The Midnight Dome Enduro is a new event on the Yukon cycling calendar. It aims to celebrate and support the work that’s been done on the Dome, and to inspire more people to ride bikes in Dawson.
Paul Robitaille, Parks and Recreation Manager with the City of Dawson had this to say about the event and the growth of mountain biking there.
“The City of Dawson has been involved in the process of trail development for over 10 years. Our trail management plan, developed in partnership with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in took the vision of our community and has been attempting to put it in action since its inception. The Midnight Dome Enduro event was a validation of how far we’ve come as a community and a destination for all trail users, especially bikers.”
“It was awesome to see the surprise and appreciation of new riders of our trails enjoying the fruits of our labour. We know there’s still work to be done to fulfill all of our goals related to trail management, but this event let us know we’re going in the right direction, and we should keep going.”
“This event has also sparked a new generations of local riders who are part of the development of a new culture in our community committed to trail riding, which is fantastic. A huge thanks to all the riders, volunteers and groups who made this event happen. We look forward to next year’s event, and invite all Yukoners to come see what we have in our community.”
38 people took part in this year’s edition of the Midnight Dome Enduro. Registration numbers were intentionally capped at 40 participants for COVID-19 and administrative reasons.
The enduro was a low-key, community-focused day that had youth riding in the morning and adults in the afternoon. Thankfully, the prior day’s heavy rain stopped and sunny blue skies welcomed event participants on Saturday morning.
Everyone got a race plate for their bike (donated by Arctic Star Printing), a Midnight Dome Enduro branded buff, food at a post-event BBQ by the Dawson City Volunteer Fire Department and 2 shuttles up the mountain provided by Husky Bus.
There were also amazing draw prizes thanks to sponsorship from Yukon Energy, Icycle Sports, Dawson City General Store, Eldorado Hotel and Fireweed Helicopters.
Youth rode 2 laps of the same course, featuring a flow trail called Hammarstrand. This was combined with a number of other trails that snaked their way down to the starting point at the Crocus Bluff baseball field. Kids as young as 7 entered, up to age 16.
There were 18 participants in the youth category; 14 of them from Dawson City. A coveted youth prize was a free chopper ride provided by Fireweed Helicopters at the end of the day.
In the afternoon, those 17 and older rode 3 downhill “segments” of different trails on the Midnight Dome including Paydirt, Dome Dive, Machete, Hammarstrand and many other parts of the mountain. Event organizers also threw in 1 uphill segment to keep the riders honest (and intentionally cause some fun drama. It worked!).
Participant hometowns were varied: 1 rider from Ontario, 2 from B.C., and from within Yukon, 7 from Whitehorse and 10 from Dawson City. It was amazing to see the wide variety of experience, interests and personalities intertwine with one another at the start and finish of every segment.
Josh Tower, a RCMP officer in Dawson City and the event’s lead organizer said this about the day:
“Dawson City’s first Midnight Dome Enduro was met with enthusiasm, camaraderie, joy and delivered heart-pumping fun. It was heartwarming to see kids grow their love of biking. It was also exciting to witness amazingly skilled riders shred trails like Hammarstrand, Paydirt and Dome Dive.”
“The event, for me, not only highlighted our great trails and supportive community that was open to and rallied together to start something new, but also the tremendous potential that Dawson City has to offer to Yukon mountain biking.”
“I’m hoping that the success of the Enduro will keep rolling with momentum for future trail development, more biking events and more opportunities for our local youth to be involved in building our community.“
A portion of the entry fees will be donated by Cycling Association of Yukon to Dawson’s Klondike Active Transport and Trails Society (KATTS). This money will help further promote and develop recreational trails in the Klondike region.
Event organizers are planning to host the Midnight Dome Enduro again in 2022, but of course even bigger and better. We’ll take lessons learned and improve our event to make it even more memorable and fun.
Apply to register for a PMBIA Level 1 course in Whitehorse
We have organized a 3-day Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA) Level 1 course to take place September 17 to 19, 2021 in Whitehorse, Yukon.
The Level 1 course will train both new and experienced instructors to skillfully teach and guide beginner to intermediate mountain bikers, in both cross country and downhill environments.
New instructors will learn the tools they need to safely and effectively teach, while experienced instructors will increase their level of skill and understanding in teaching and riding theory, that the PMBI Certifications uniquely provide.
You must be a CAY member to register in the course. Each person will pay their own entry fee direct to PMBIA during online registration.
You will receive a 50% ($287.50) rebate cheque from CAY upon completion of the course.
CAY will pay all remaining costs of bringing a PMBIA course conductor to the Yukon (flights, accommodations, food and other expenses).
Level 1 re-certification
If you already have your Level 1, there will be a PMBIA re-certification course on Monday, September 20 for $59.
Apply to register
There will be 8 spots available for either course. To be eligible to register, email info@yukoncycling.com with answers to these questions before midnight on Sunday, September 5, 2021:
Why do you want to participate in the course? Provide 1 or 2 sentences.
Where do you live? A ranking preference will apply for those who live in communities outside Whitehorse.
This initiative is in support of CAY’s goal for a representative cycling association. Read our privacy policy
CAY will let successful applicants know by Tuesday, September 7, 2021 how they can register and pay online.
Results from 2021 Yukon XC Mountain Bike Championships
Cycling Association of Yukon (CAY) recently hosted 2 versions of its 2021 XC Mountain Bike Championships races. XC is short for “cross-country” and is a timed race that occurs on a course with hills, descents and technical features.
On July 31, the race for teenagers and adults was held on a challenging course at Mt. McIntyre. The track was 3 km in length, and participants raced either 4, 5 or 6 laps. Although short in distance, there was sustained climbing and you had to be on your game while descending some of the trickier sections, especially at speed.
As the July event was also the Yukon territorial championships, results from this race will be used by CAY to identify mountain bike athletes for the next Canada Summer Games. The Games are scheduled for August 2022 in Niagara, Ontario.
On August 4, the race for kids aged 5 to 11 was held on an easier, flowing course at the Gunnar Nilsson and Mikey Lammers Research Forest. The track was about 6 km in length and everyone rode 1 lap. You could hear hooting, laughing and words of encouragement from parents, teens and kids all the way around the course. Depending on who you ask, the highlight for many could have been the huge spread of snacks and prizes at the finish.
Every participant got a Yukon XC Mountain Bike Championships race plate for their bike, and wonderful category and draw prizes came from our sponsor Icycle Sports.
Here are the results from the event on July 31.
U19 Female (5 laps)
Mara Roldan (54:40)
Ava Irving-Staley (1:00:49)
Aisha Roldan (1:01:58)
Adult, Male (6 laps)
Ian Parker (1:02:30)
Hudson Lucier (1:06:17)
Adult, Female (4 laps)
Trena Irving (1:05:09)
U17 Female (4 laps)
Mathilde Roldan (50:04)
U17 Male (4 laps)
James Mccann (46:11)
Gallagher D’Abramo (50:54)
U15 Male (4 laps)
Taiga Burrman (48:24)
Johna Irving-Staley (50:00)
Alex LaBarge (50:06)
Malcolm Murchison (52:26)
Here is the list of participants from the event on August 4.
Jack Rooke
Gabe Harries
Henry Parker
Owen Parker
Kai Gibson-Tyler
Rylan Morris
Gabriel Coderre
Liam Anton
Kaleb Knutson
Cedric D'Abramo
Owen Krikorian
There are more super fun mountain bike events being held in August, including:
With a schedule that started in May, hundreds of Yukoners have ridden in over 20 events put on Cycling Association of Yukon and its member clubs.
Events have taken place on asphalt, dirt and gravel, and at times all 3 surfaces at once. Participants have ranged from 5 years old to just shy of 70.
Yet, the Yukon cycling season is far from over. There are still exciting events planned for July and August.
If you’ve already participated in an event this year, why not try another?
If you’ve not yet been in an organized event, Cycling Association of Yukon encourages you to grab your bike and sign up. Cycling events are a great way to meet people and reconnect with friends, ride in new places and give yourself a goal to work towards.
Cross-country (XC) mountain biking events
On Saturday, July 31 is the Yukon XC Mountain Bike Championships. The course will be loops of various trails at Mt. McIntyre. Depending on age and gender, riders will complete different course lengths.
Junior Yukon XC Mountain Bike Championships is on Wednesday, August 4. The event is intended for novice cyclists and kids aged 5 to 11 years old, on easier trails at the Gunnar Nilsson and Mikey Lammers Research Forest.
Royalty of the Canyon is a long-standing event on the Yukon mountain bike calendar, and happens on August 21. You can participate in a 25 km ride or the long-distance 50 km route, both on Grey Mountain.
GRIMBY: Road/Mountain Bike Relay takes place on Saturday, August 28. The relay will include singletrack, gravel and road portions, and can be completed solo or in teams.
Enduro mountain biking events
An enduro event means timed downhill sections with un-timed uphill sections.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, ShredHERS enduro moved from its original July date to Saturday, August 14. ShredHERs is open to all women and girls, from first time riders to local rippers.
Dawson City’s Midnight Dome Enduro was scheduled for July 10, but moved to Saturday, August 21 for the same reason. This fun community event is open to all ages and kids and families are welcome. A portion of the proceeds will go towards maintaining and building new trails on the Midnight Dome.
More information about these events and how to register can be found at https://yukoncycling.com.
Cycling events during June and July 2021 COVID-19 outbreak
As it is not the current advice to cancel or postpone events that are in compliance with these guidelines, the clubs are going ahead as planned. If the guidelines change, they will cancel.
We ask that all participants attending events act responsibly and follow the Safe 6, plus 1 steps.
You’ll ride 30 km of Grey Mountain’s best singletrack, with timed downhill sections and un-timed uphills. Snacks, BBQ and great prizes are included with registration.
We’ll celebrate Dawson’s amazing new gravity trails on the Midnight Dome with an event open to all ages. Shuttles up the mountain, plus a BBQ, swag and prizes, all included with your registration. Kids are free!
2021 PMBIA Level 1 Re-Certification course
Cycling Association of Yukon has been in communications with the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA) about 2021 certification and re-certification courses.
Given our current travel restrictions and different provincial situations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PMBIA is planning to offer an online Level 1 re-certification course this summer.
PMBIA will publish details about the course on their website at the end of May 2021.
Looking for youth competitive cycling team athletes
One of Cycling Association of Yukon’s responsibilities is to train and send youth athletes to Canada Summer Games events.
For cycling, this means mountain bike and road teams. Our goal is to send female and male athletes to the Canada Summer Games in 2022 and 2025.
We offer the Team Yukon training program to those who want to work towards and try out for these teams.
Cycling questions asked of 2021 Yukon general election parties
On March 12, 2021 it was announced that Yukon's general election will be held on April 12, 2021.
Together with Whitehorse Urban Cycling Coalition, Cycling Association of Yukon on March 30 submitted a series of questions that were asked of all parties in the election. Any responses will be posted here and communicated to our members.
Please outline your tangible plan to increase active transportation in Yukon, to reduce Yukon's transportation related greenhouse has emission and enhance Yukoners’ health and well being.
Also:
Please specify the direction you will provide to the Department of Highways and Public Works to build and maintain spaces for people to travel through and access government facilities by foot and bicycle year-round.
Please specify the direction you will provide to the Department of Education to increase children's active travel to and from schools.
If you would like to provide more information on your approach to active transportation, here are some suggestions for topics you may wish to provide additional perspective on:
What is your view on making new cycling infrastructure a part of every future Yukon government infrastructure project?
Would you consider developing and implementing safe student cycling plans for each new school to be constructed in Yukon (which is to also include Class 1 and Class 2 bike storage)?
What is your commitment to providing Class 1 bike storage space as part of any new or renovated Yukon government building?
What do you think about the idea of building safe cycling infrastructure for our existing highways, specifically between Whitehorse and Haines Junction and between Whitehorse and Carcross?
What commitment would you make to funding contributions over the next 4 years to support communities in their efforts to develop cycling infrastructure?
How would you work with communities, such as the City of Whitehorse, to ensure that cycle and walking commuting routes are adequately maintained throughout the winter?
Cycling Canada launches new HopOn kids cycling program, coming to Yukon
Cycling Canada has launched a national introductory cycling program that will help school-aged kids develop basic cycling skills and safety awareness.
The national program will be branded as HopOn and will play a leading role in getting more Canadians on bikes in a safe and inclusive way. A key goal is to bring new participants and members into cycling club programs across the country.
Modelled after Cycling BC’s existing iRide program, the HopOn national grassroots program will aim to provide access to cycling at the community level, as well as through in-school programming.
Coming to Yukon in 2021
The program will be initially launched in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon this year.
While it will run as a standalone program in Yukon, HopOn will unify existing youth cycling programs with others to ensure quality standards of delivery and coaching.
HopOn will aim to expand to other provinces and territories in the years to come. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, exact program schedules will be confirmed at a later date.
"Community is at the centre of Cycling Canada’s strategic plan and the introduction of a national grassroots program is a foundational initiative to increase inclusion, accessibility and safety while helping to build club capacity and help find future champions,” said Mathieu Boucher, Chief of Development at Cycling Canada. “In collaboration with our provincial cycling associations, we believe that within the next ten years we will teach basic cycling skills to over 300,000 kids across the country."
Help raise funds for HopOn on March 21, 2021
In an effort to raise funds for the program, Cycling Canada will be hosting a virtual ride on March 21, 2021 featuring HopOn ambassador Michael Woods.
“I’m really proud to be an ambassador for HopOn as this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” said Woods. “I believe that the bike is one of the best forms of transportation and recreation and I want to make this great activity accessible to as many people as possible. HopOn shares this vision, and I am keen and eager to help them with this great cause.”
The HopOn Ride with Woodsy presented by Lexus will be open to the worldwide Zwift cycling community and cater to riders of all ages and abilities.
Lexus Canada will be donating $1.00 (CDN) for every participant who attends the event, and individual donations are also encouraged.
More information relating to the fundraising ride will be announced soon.
How to register for HopOn in Yukon
Online registration will be run through Cycling Canada. More information is coming soon.
New board for 2021
On February 7, 2021 the annual AGM and board elections were held in Whitehorse.
At the meeting we heard reports on accomplishments and challenges as well as a financial summary. We also held elections.
The 2021 CAY board includes:
President - Geof Harries
Vice President - Trena Irving
Treasurer - Dana Eisinger
Secretary - Dawn Lammer
Director - Stefan Gladwin
Director - Colin Mccan
Director - Hudson Lucier
2020 Cycling Association of Yukon AGM
Sunday, February 7, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. YST/MST
This year's AGM will be online using Zoom and in-person at the Sport Yukon boardroom in Whitehorse.
Attend online
If you would like to attend using Zoom, email geof@gdharries.com by February 4, 2021 and you will be sent the meeting link.
Attend in-person
Members of the CAY board will be at the Sport Yukon boardroom to attend in-person. We will follow Government of Yukon guidance for hosting a gathering during COVID-19.
If you would like to attend in-person with us, email geof@gdharries.com by February 4, 2021 and we will add you to our guest list. There’s space for 4 people, in addition to the board.
AGM theme and agenda includes
The theme of our AGM will be "A 10-year plan for Yukon cycling".
Our agenda is:
Presidential message and introduction of board and directors
Summary of results from 2020 Yukon cycling survey
Call to order and approval of agenda and 2019 AGM minutes
Financial report
Board of directors election (read below about how to join the board)
New business (questions and comments)
Looking ahead discussion:
Member input into our strategic planning process
Working together with Yukon cycling clubs and organizations for the benefit of all Yukon cyclists: Streamlined process and improved communications
Creation of a new kids and youth cycling program
Expanding our reach and supporting others: Cycling advocacy and safety, trail maintenance and development, increased diversity and inclusion, plus new membership options
CAY board positions open for nomination
The following board positions are open.
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Directors (2 positions)
Board positions are 1-year terms, with option to serve for re-election. Board roles require a commitment to attend board meetings, sector specific meetings and engage in inter-meeting email decisions and discussions as needed. A commitment of about 2 hours per month is expected.
Nominate yourself for a board position
If you are interested in a board position, send a short biography, an explanation of why you would like to join the CAY board, and your vision for what you would like to achieve as part of the CAY board in 2021.
Contact us with your message by February 4, 2021. We will also accept nominations during the AGM.
Help us create a 4-year plan for Yukon cycling: Fill out the survey
The Yukon cycling community is diverse, vibrant and widespread.
We are at a notable point in our cycling history where for many different reasons, more people are riding bikes in Yukon than ever before.
To make Yukon cycling better for everyone, we need to understand who people are and why they ride a bicycle. We also seek to know what we can do to further grow and support our community, and encourage even more people to get on a bike.
This information will be used to create a 4-year plan for Yukon cycling, led by Cycling Association of Yukon.
We will support clubs and organizations with programs and resources to bring the plan to life.
Fill out the 2020 Yukon cycling survey
Update: December 15, 2020.
Survey closed
The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. It will close on December 15, 2020.
Who created the survey?
The survey has been developed by these Yukon cycling clubs, businesses and organizations:
We want to hear from as many people as possible so that we can make good decisions about the future of Yukon cycling, together.
Results and final report
We will be publishing results and sharing a final report in early 2021.
New board for 2020
On February 18, 2020 the annual AGM and board elections were held in Whitehorse.
At the meeting we heard reports on accomplishments and challenges as well as a financial summary. We also held elections.
The 2020 CAY board includes:
President - Geof Harries
Vice President - Trena Irving
Treasurer - Andrew Hall
Secretary - Dawn Lammer
Director - Stefan Gladwin
Director - Dana Eisnger
CAY has a new website
With some bit of effort, the Cycling Association of Yukon has launched a new website
We’ve been away for a while, but in that time we’ve pulled together some great ideas for this website to be an excellent resource for the cycling community in the Yukon! The site is still under construction, so bear with us as we steadily make improvements.
Here are some of the goals for this site:
Develop a centralized calendar for cycling events in the Yukon and National/Provincial events of interest
Provide a resource for cycling coaches
Provide public updates on CAY activities
Provide information on insurance and memberships
Be a resource for cycling clubs and individuals and parents of cycling youth
Provide updates on what our athletes have been up to (including results from races)
etc…
We are also looking into the possibility doing event registration that will help with the organization of club events in the Yukon.
We invite you to contact us about how you like/dislike the new site, as well as ideas you may have to help us continually improve this site for now and into the future.
Thanks for your feedback!
AGM and new board for 2019
On Monday January 21, the annual AGM and board elections were held.
The meeting summarized the year for 2018 with the accomplishments and challenges that the board faced, provided a summary of the financial picture for the board, identified new challenges for 2019 (including sending a cycling team to the 2019 Western Canada Summer games to be held in Swift Current, Saskatchewan), and board elections were completed.
For 2019, board members include:
Marc LaPointe, President
Trena Irving, Vice President
Andrew Hall, Treasurer
Stefan Gladwin, Secretary
The CAY would like to thank the board from 2018 for all of their effort. We are all really looking forward to the 2019 cycling season!
