École St. Matthew’s School

École St. Matthew’s is swapping car commutes for cycling adventures to cut emissions and build a greener, healthier community.

École St. Matthew’s School

École St. Matthew’s is swapping car commutes for cycling adventures to cut emissions and build a greener, healthier community.

The Problem

Like many cities and towns in North America, St. John’s Newfoundland had most of its transportation infrastructure built to support cars. However, the majority of the students who attend École St. Matthew’s School live within 2 kilometres of the school, leading to a large number of short distance car trips that create unnecessary emissions.

The Solution

École St. Matthew’s School is pedaling toward a cultural shift by making cycling the go-to choice for students and families. This exciting project will install bike racks, a repair station, and solar lighting, while hosting safety courses, family cycle days, and fun incentives like seed-pack giveaways. With over 440 students leading the charge, the school aims to reduce emissions, promote healthier habits, and prove that cycling can be a safe, sustainable, and enjoyable way to get around. By embracing active transport, they’re making St. John’s a greener and more bike-friendly place!

60+

students and teachers worked to bring this project to life.

300+

students at the school engaged with the project.

Lessons Learned

Youth voices matter! Amazing project student lead Sawyer wrote letters to lots of local businesses talking about his passion for cycling and his hopes for the project, asking if they could support by providing discounts on helmets or volunteering to run bike safety. He received more successful responses to his letters than the emails his Teacher Lead sent out, showing that community members are excited about hearing from and helping youth achieve their goals!

“But I think, you know, the city's starting to see, okay, these shared use pathways are an opportunity for us, and, you know, we can get people walking. We can get people more healthy.”

Mr. Shoemaker, Librarian, Teacher Lead

“We got half a dozen people involved, and then we've got some local volunteers and parent volunteers, that are also excited to be around for the day.”

Mr. Shoemaker, Librarian, Teacher Lead

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