Submitted by Jared Kolb on 1 May, 2012 - 13:23

Thanks to the work of more than 20 core Strategic Planning Design Team members and the input of 80 participants at our January 2012 Strategic Planning Summit, we're pleased to release our organization's new Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and Goals, approved by the bike union's Board of Directors in April 2012. 

Mission: The Toronto Cyclists Union is a diverse member-supported organization that advocates for a healthy, safe, cycling-friendly city for all.

Vision: Toronto is a city that embraces cycling as an essential part of its sustainable transportation network.  Complete streets have been implemented in all neighbourhoods with safe, accessible on and off road cycling infrastructure. The needs of people who cycle are taken into account in all municipal planning and decision-making. Toronto is healthy, safe and livable, and the city is recognized as a leading urban centre, where multiple modes of transportation are not just accepted but are actively promoted.

Guiding Principles:

• We value the power of grassroots community organizing to effect change.
• We pursue evidence-based transportation solutions that make cycling a viable option for all Torontonians.
• We are passionate about increasing the number of people biking safely, confidently and knowledgeably.
• We will engage cyclist and non-cyclist Torontonians in our work by being credible, persuasive and balanced.
• We value the power of having a strong organizational board and staff that reflects Toronto’s diverse communities.
• We will be fiscally, ethically, professionally, and environmentally responsible with our resources and in our work.

Goals:

• Mode shift: By 2016 the number of people who bike to work will have grown from 1.7% to 5%
• Membership: We will represent and serve a large and diverse cycling constituency from all wards of Toronto through organizing and building an engaged membership of 2,500 by 2012 and 10,000 by 2018.
• Advocacy: By 2018, our campaign successes have led to transportation policies and funding priorities that reduce cycling-related collisions, injuries, and fatalities by 50% from 2011 levels, and result in 400 new kilometers of integrated bike lanes and supporting facilities across the city.
• Ward Advocacy Program: We will expand the Ward Advocacy Program to actively engage and connect over 50% of wards by 2018.
• Partnering: We will form positive relations with stakeholders and diverse community organizations in order to collaborate with at least one external partner for each campaign.
• Building Organizational Capacity: We will secure diverse and sustainable funding, a motivated and knowledgeable staff, and effective governance to support our projected membership, advocacy, and partnership goals.

Action Planning is the final component of our Strategic Planning Process.  Stay tuned for more.