Who We Are
Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador (BNL) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization and the official governing body for the sport of cycling in Newfoundland and Labrador. BNL has been part of the provincial sports community for over thirty years (1994). BNL is an affiliated provincial sport organization (PSO) of Sport NL and a member of Cycling Canada (CC) and operates under the authority of the world governing body of cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
We are governed by a province-wide volunteer board of directors. There has been a steady growth in membership through the development and promotion of both competitive and non-competitive events.
Our mission is to create a well-recognized and safe, province-wide cycling community. We provide education and leadership to help create a vibrant and healthy cycling experience for the benefit of members, partners and the public.
About
Volunteers
Come Volunteer with us!
Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador (BNL) is run and organized by volunteers from across the province. As such, we always welcome help and support from anyone interested. We would love to have you join us!
The ways which you can volunteer are diverse and varied such as:
- sign on as a competitive cycling coach
- volunteer in governance or committee work
- help with events both Approved and Sanctioned
- marshal races/events
- organize sanctioned group rides
- join the Board of Directors (annually at the AGM)
If you see an area of interest where you would like to contribute, feel free to contact BNL: info@bicyclenl.com
Advocacy
Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador (BNL) is engaged in several advocacy initiatives at local, provincial, and federal levels including:
- Support for effective cycling infrastructure in throughout the province
- Assist in the National Active Transportation Strategy
- Aid the federal E-bike regulation, education programs and rebate programs
- Continued development of the Newfoundland T'Railway for cycling
- Help in the development of mountain bike infrastructure in Pippy Park
Bicycle Safety Campaign
Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador (BNL) has produced a series of animated bicycling safety videos to offer hints for beginner or novice cyclists and reminders for the more experienced riders. See the link below to view the videos.
One Metre Rule
In 2018 Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador (BNL) successfully lobbied the provincial government to pass legislation regarding the "One Metre Rule". On March 5, 2019, the Highway Traffic Act was amended to increase safety on our province’s roads and highways. The changes included the introduction of a “One Metre Rule” aimed at the protection of cyclists and pedestrians. The rule means that the driver of a motor vehicle is required to leave one metre of open space between the vehicle and bicycle (or pedestrian) on highways with posted speed limits of 60 kilometres per hour or less. The required distance is one and a half metres for highways with posted speed limits greater than 60 kilometres per hour.
Safety is a major concern among bicycle riders in this province. The legislation will increase safety for both bicycle riders and motorists by providing a legal definition of safe passing clearance between cyclists and vehicles.
In passing this law, Newfoundland and Labrador joined other provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island) with similar legislation. Newfoundland and Labrador is now on board to make our roads safer for everyone!
T'Railway
The Newfoundland T'Railway forms part of the Trans Canada Trail system and covers a distance of 883 km (549 mi). Known as the "Newfoundland T’Railway Provincial Park", the rail bed route links urban, rural and wilderness areas. The park forms the Newfoundland section of the Trans Canada Trail stretching from St. John’s to Victoria, BC, and to Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. When complete, the Trans Canada Trail will extend for more than 22,000 km, making it the longest continuous trail in the world.
Protected as a linear park under the provincial park system, the Newfoundland T'Railway consists of the rail bed of the historic Newfoundland Railway. The rail corridor stretches from Channel-Port aux Basques in the west to St. John's in the east with branches to Stephenville, Lewisporte, Bonavista, Placentia and Carbonear.
Learn About T'railway on Wikipedia
Cycling the Newfoundland T’Railway is an adventure for avid cyclists who appreciate the many natural wilderness settings that the province has to offer.
slow:biker's article, Across Newfoundland by Fatbike Newfoundland T'Railway Guide on Bikepacking.com
The Newfoundland T’Railway Council is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the development of a recreational trail from St. John's to Port aux Basques using the former Canadian National railway line. Its mandate is to promote multi-use trail development and to preserve abandoned railway lines for future use such as hiking, biking, equestrian, snowmobile, ATV and cross-country ski trails. Other uses, like dog sledding and snowshoeing, may be appropriate in certain regions.
Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan
The strategic planning process for Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador (BNL) began in 2021, engaging board members and regional representatives throughout the province.
The resulting strategic plan includes a vision and mission statement, a mandate and strategic directions for the organization and spans a time horizon, from 2022-2026. BNL has embraced the following five major strategic directions:
- Governance and Operations
- Long Term Athlete Development
- Events
- Advocacy
- Marketing and Communications
Each of these directions includes associated objectives, actions and timelines. Together, we can become even stronger and more effective. For more details, please see the link below.
