Pedal to Nature: Building Climate Action One Bike Ride at a Time

This project was supported by the City of Toronto through Live Green Toronto and the
Neighbourhood Climate Action Champions program.

What happens when cycling, nature, and climate action come together?

For residents of the York University Heights community and its environs, the answer came through the Neighbourhood Climate Action Champion’s Pedal to Nature project, with community support from Environmental Education for a Better Earth (EEFABE) Canada.

Although the project faced challenges due to funding delays and shifts in community members’ schedules, they still benefited from a unique opportunity to learn new skills, explore local nature, and discover practical ways they can take climate action in their everyday lives.

The project was designed to help residents understand the connection between transportation, climate change, and environmental stewardship. Through hands-on training and guided bike rides, participants learned that climate action does not always require large investments or complicated solutions. Sometimes, it can start with something as simple as riding a bicycle.

Learning About Climate Change

One of the key goals of the project was to increase awareness about climate change and its effects on local communities.

Participants learned about:

• Climate change impacts
• Sources of greenhouse gas emissions
• Sustainable transportation
• Individual climate actions
• Community environmental responsibility

Many participants explained that the workshops helped them understand climate change in a way that connected directly to their daily lives.

Rather than focusing only on global issues, the discussions highlighted local examples and practical actions that residents can take immediately.

Learning Bicycle Safety and Maintenance

Before participating in the community rides, residents attended sessions focused on bicycle safety and maintenance.

Participants learned how to:

• Inspect a bicycle before riding
• Check brakes and tires
• Use safety equipment properly
• Ride safely on trails and roads
• Perform basic bicycle maintenance

These skills not only increase safety but also help participants feel more confident using bicycles as a regular means of transportation.

For many participants, this was their first opportunity to receive formal bicycle training.

Exploring Black Creek Through Cycling

The guided rides took participants from Fred Young Park through Black Creek Trail and back again.

These rides provided more than physical activity.

Participants were able to observe local environmental features, discuss community environmental issues, and experience nature firsthand.

Educational stops throughout the route allowed facilitators to discuss biodiversity, erosion, flooding, and climate resilience.

Participants learned about the important role that local parks and natural spaces play in supporting healthier communities.

Many residents said they had never explored these areas in such detail despite living nearby.

Understanding Local Environmental Challenges

During the rides, participants observed evidence of erosion and flooding along portions of Black Creek Parkland.

These observations created opportunities to discuss how climate change affects local communities and how nature-based solutions can help address environmental challenges.

Participants learned about:

• Erosion control
• Native vegetation
• Watershed protection
• Climate resilience
• Urban biodiversity

These conversations helped connect global environmental issues with local realities.

Access to Bicycles and Safety Equipment

One of the most meaningful parts of the project was the distribution of bicycles and helmets to community members.

Five bicycles and five helmets were provided to participants.

For many residents, owning a bicycle had been financially difficult.

The project helped remove this barrier while supporting both active transportation and climate action.

One participant shared:

“My sisters and I wanted a bike, but it was expensive for us to get. But today we are so happy to have a bike and a helmet, each for free, and to learn that it helps combat climate change. I am grateful.”

Stories like this remind us that environmental action becomes more effective when communities have access to the resources they need.

Volunteer Support Made a Difference

The project would not have been possible without the commitment of volunteers.

Three volunteers contributed a total of 94 hours supporting participant engagement, educational activities, event coordination, and cycling sessions.

Their contribution represented approximately $2,350 in community support value.

Voices From the Community

Participants shared many positive reflections about their experience:

“I learned a lot of things about climate change that I never knew, especially how biking is another means of combating climate change.”

“Learning about biking and nature at the same time is an opportunity young people need to embrace. I was moved by the educational stops during the park ride in Black Creek Parkland. I learned a lot about my community park.”

“I saw the impact of flooding and erosion in Black Creek Parkland, especially very close to the trail, and also saw and learned how nature-based solutions are used to stop erosion and help combat climate change.”

Looking Ahead

Pedal to Nature demonstrated that combining cycling, environmental education, and community engagement can create meaningful learning experiences.

By providing practical skills, increasing climate awareness, and improving access to sustainable transportation, the project helped participants take meaningful steps toward a healthier and more sustainable future.

We look forward to building on this success through future cycling, environmental education, biodiversity, and climate action initiatives across the Black Creek community and beyond.