Beyond the famous tradition of New Year's resolutions, we always like to set certain personal goals and look ahead to the year ahead. For all us cyclists, this might mean dreaming about the trip we've been putting off for a while, or the annual mileage we'd like to increase. It could also mean getting involved in our neighborhood, so that more cycling facilities can be developed, or in our company, so that cycling is recognized and valued.
For the Vélo Québec team, there's no shortage of great classics and exhilarating projects. With a Grand Tour Desjardins in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and an absolutely insane selection of travel destinations around the world, bike travel fans won't be disappointed. We won't be outdone either, with the Festival Go vélo Montréal opening the Quebec festival season, with more surprises in store. We'll be reaching even more young cyclists in grades 5 and 6 with the Cycliste averti program in 9 regions of Quebec. Nearly 4,000 youngsters will be trained to develop their cycling skills.
The 2017 municipal elections brought into office several administrations that will translate the commitments of their first «real» budget into action. This is true not only of Montreal, but also of other Quebec cities, which are increasingly keen to offer their citizens a cycling network that lives up to their expectations. So we see 2019 as the year of high hopes! The new Quebec government's first budget will certainly set the tone for this new mandate. As we communicate with this new government, three priorities will be on the agenda. Firstly, to ensure that the sustainable mobility policy is maintained and improved, including the sums to be allocated to it. Secondly, to ensure that the government makes the necessary choices to initiate a genuine energy transition, of which cycling is a part. Finally, to pick up where we left off with the previous government on certain aspects of the new Highway Safety Code, particularly with regard to the disproportionate increase in penalties for cyclists, which is unfair compared to those imposed on other road users.
So we've got our work cut out for us, but we've also got miles and miles of pure cycling pleasure ahead of us!
Cheers and cycling for 2019!
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
