The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Michael Longfield as Cycle Toronto’s new Executive Director.
Michael has long been an advocate for safer streets and building a more inclusive cycling community, holding leadership roles with Velo Canada Bikes, The Bike Brigade, Midweek Cycling Club, and the Ontario Cycling Association. He brings a wide range of experiences in the non-profit sector in the areas of operations, fundraising, advocacy, governance, and business analysis.
Most notably, Michael guided Cycle Toronto through the first year of the pandemic as our Interim Executive Director. The more public-facing parts of this work included engaging with City Hall in the single-largest expansion of cycling infrastructure in Toronto’s history, launching the Move365 initiative to co-power community leaders in Toronto’s suburbs with tools to change transportation infrastructure in their own neighborhoods, and a partnership with CAMH to create Riding and Recovery workshops, co-facilitated by people with lived experiences with mental health and addiction services. Just as importantly, Michael did a fantastic job supporting and guiding Cycle Toronto’s staff team through this tumultuous period. Since then, we’ve been fortunate to have Michael back with the organization, first as Director of Partnerships and Engagement, and then as Acting Co-Executive Director along with Alison Stewart. Alison will continue to be part of our leadership team as the Director of Advocacy and Public Policy.
There is so much opportunity ahead of us as an organization and as a cycling community to transform Toronto into a safer, healthier, and more vibrant city. As we embark on this new chapter of working with our partners to grow cycling culture and infrastructure across the entire city while protecting and building on big wins like Yonge and Bloor-Danforth, we are confident that Michael is the right person to lead Cycle Toronto, and are excited for the future.
Ashley Quan
President, Board of Directors
A message from Michael Longfield:
Riding a bike shouldn’t be an act of courage. There are too many parts of Toronto where even a short bike ride feels unsafe or impossible. Every victim of traffic violence is a preventable human tragedy and policy failure. As our population continues to grow and transit ridership is still below pre-pandemic levels, building out a network of safe, connected bikeways into Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough is more important than ever before.
Biking can play a crucial role in addressing sustainability, equity, and mobility issues facing our city. Through our advocacy, education, and encouragement work, Cycle Toronto is uniquely positioned to help break down the barriers to enable more people to choose to ride a bike. It took a global pandemic for Toronto to realise that streets are for people. With an upcoming mayoral election, we have an opportunity to keep the momentum going and cast a vote for safe and active streets for all.
I’ve seen neighbourhoods blossom with new bikeways and complete streets since ActiveTO first launched. I can ride to work almost entirely on protected infrastructure and enjoy running errands at local shops or going to nearby restaurants by bike. My 5km has been reimagined in recent years. The benefits of safer streets, easing congestion, tackling the climate crisis, and boosting physical and mental health are making headlines and changing minds one pedal at a time.
Cycle Toronto members and supporters have helped transform our city over the past decade. Together we will continue to lead that change. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this movement, and ready to shape the next chapter of Cycle Toronto to achieve our vision of an outstanding cycling city for all.
Let’s get to work.
Members play a critical role in elevating Cycle Toronto’s efforts to get protected, connected bike lanes on all major roads across Toronto. For just $5 a month or $30 annually, you can help. Your membership will be eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
