As the “Le vélo : solution et destination” symposium draws to a close in Quebec City, it’s crucial to remember the importance of cycling in our society. It’s not just an alternative means of transport, but a response to the environmental, economic and public health challenges facing our province. The energy of the participants, all great leaders and cycling enthusiasts, was particularly inspiring, motivating us all to continue developing cycling culture in Quebec.
The event was also marked by the presence of influential political figures. The Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault, opened the symposium, underlining the government’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The Mayor of Quebec City, Bruno Marchand, captivated the audience by unveiling the new identity of the Corridors Vélo Cité, now renamed Corridors VivaCité, demonstrating the city’s determination to position itself as a leader in cycling infrastructure. Their presence reinforced the idea that cycling must be at the heart of discussions on the future of urban mobility.
Firstly, cycling is a simple solution to complex problems. Not only is it a sustainable mobility tool, it’s also an effective way of reducing urban congestion and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As our symposium reminded us, 36% of Quebecers live within 5 km of their workplace, and nearly 25% of these journeys could be made by bike. However, it’s the lack of safe infrastructure that’s holding back this potential. Investing in cycling facilities and promoting the integration of cycling with public transport networks could increase the effectiveness of our investments in sustainable mobility tenfold.
Cycling is also a solution for the environment. The transport sector accounts for 43% of GHG emissions in Quebec, and the rise of cyclologistics and cargo bikes offers a tangible alternative for reducing our dependence on cars. Initiatives such as Projet Colibri have demonstrated that a delivery person on a bicycle can handle 15% more parcels per hour than a delivery person in a motorized vehicle, illustrating the effectiveness of this approach.
As well as being a solution, cycling is also a destination in its own right. Quebec has established itself as one of North America’s top cycling destinations. Whether for mountain biking, with renowned centers that attract visitors from all over the world, or for cycle tourism, the financial benefits are considerable and directly linked to the increase in cycling. During the symposium, some revealing data on the growth of mountain biking in Quebec were shared. According to a recent study by the Institut Léger, 5% of adult Quebecers had ridden a mountain bike in 2022, a rising trend that reflects growing interest in this outdoor activity. In terms of tourism, in the Montérégie region alone, cycling generated $132 million in 2023. At the provincial level, the scope of our cycling networks, such as the Route verte, continues to strengthen our position on the international scene.
Even with limited budgetary resources, cycling remains a smart and profitable investment. By substituting cycling for the car, we are enabling Quebec families to reduce their transportation costs while improving their quality of life. It is essential that the government and municipalities continue to support this dynamic, in particular by developing suitable infrastructures and legislating to encourage the use of electric-assist bicycles.
On this subject, Vélo Québec also took advantage of the symposium to present its official position on the regulation of electrically-assisted bicycles, calling on the government to legislate without delay to ensure their harmonious development. Among its recommendations, we highlighted two requests for regulatory relief: lowering the minimum age for the use of e-bikes to 14, and creating a specific category for self-service e-bikes, limited to 25 km/h and exempt from mandatory helmet use.
Finally, the energy and commitment of the symposium’s participants show that cycling is not just an alternative, but a vision of the future for a greener, healthier and more prosperous Quebec. In her opening speech, Minister Guilbault said that cycling was a source of pride for Quebec. I would add that Vélo Québec is proud to be working to advance cycling with so many committed partners. Thank you for your support!
Jean-François Rheault
President and CEO, Vélo Québec