Sheridan bike hub shifts on-campus sustainability into high gear

When the Sheridan Bike Hub first opened in November 2019, it was with modest hopes of encouraging the campus community to consider an alternative to driving.  

Since then, it has become the go-to spot to support Sheridan’s cycling enthusiasts. Offering bike-related information and services to staff and students year-round, the shops at Sheridan’s HMC and Davis campuses are open from May to the end of October for DIY bike repairs and rentals, giving the Sheridan community a chance to volunteer, learn new skills, or meet new people. 

Developed in partnership with the Office for Sustainability (OfS) and the Region of Peel (from 2017-2022) with the aim of increasing cycling as a method of transportation, the Hub has seen significant growth in recent years. Visitors to the Bike Hub nearly doubled from 2019 to 2023 and the Hubs saw 200 bikes fixed, 769 bikes rented, and 80 bikes made available for rent last year.  

What’s more, thanks to dedicated volunteers, the Bike Hub has extended its reach to Sheridan’s Trafalgar Road Campus which hosted two pop-ups last summer along with a student-led Bike Club. 

Creating a culture of community and inclusivity is a key focus of the Bike Hub’s mandate. For example, during Bike Month this past June, the OfS team participated in community-based events in Mississauga (Mississauga Bikefest) and Brampton (Brampton Bike Festival), where they interacted with over 100 community members by sharing bike safety information, local biking resources and maps, and helping with minor bike repairs. The Sheridan Bike Hub also encouraged the Sheridan community to ride to campus during Bike to Work Week in May. Seventy Bike Hub dollars, which can be used to reduce the cost of bike rentals and DIY repairs, were distributed as prizes to the participants.  

“We’re thrilled to see a strong active transportation presence on Sheridan’s campuses,” said Vicki Tran, Cycling and Sustainability Transportation Officer. “Riding your bike to work or school is an impactful way for Sheridan community members to take planet-friendly action to help tackle climate change and pollution – plus, it’s a lot of fun. We have increased the number of bike rentals available to support cyclists who rely on them throughout the season.” 

In June, the Bike Hub team also held its seventh annual Tour de Sheridan. The event continued the tradition of bringing together bike enthusiasts from the Sheridan community to ride as a group and discover new paths in and around Sheridan’s three campuses in Brampton, Mississauga, and Oakville. Groups started at their respective campus and rode to a central meetup location at Lake Aquitaine Park in Mississauga where they enjoyed a well-deserved break with refreshments and socializing before heading back to their campus. About 30 staff and students participated in this year’s event and collectivity rode about 866 kms.  

Encouraging active transportation at Sheridan is a key focus of Sheridan 2027: Forging the Future, which guides our community to reduce our environmental footprint through Mission Zero strategies. 

To learn more about Sheridan’s Bike Hub and other cycling initiatives at any time, contact SheridanBikeHub@sheridancollege.ca or visit https://missionzero.sheridancollege.ca/transportation/bikehub/.