Seeing so many children on bikes is certainly the most gratifying observation of 2020! Little ones learning to balance on their bikes, young people moving around their neighborhoods in peace, families exploring the city in peace - in short, new habits have been born. Hearing the testimonials of parents who are thrilled to be able to cycle more often with their children in the city, thanks in particular to the new cycling facilities created in the context of COVID-19, warms our hearts!
Crises have a way of accelerating behavioral change. If this pandemic makes us aware of the pleasure and many benefits of getting fresh air and getting around on foot or by bike, for both our mental and physical health, we will have gained in wisdom. In fact, why not take advantage of the current back-to-school period to develop new habits by encouraging our children to cycle to school, alone or accompanied, depending on their age? Children, their parents and teachers would find it a most interesting outlet: cycling soothes anxiety and helps build bonds with people in the community. You'd be crazy not to do something good for so little, wouldn't you?
As citizens and road users, we have a responsibility to be attentive and benevolent towards the youngest cyclists, so that they can feel safe on their bikes. As cyclists, we also have a role to play in making their experience a pleasant one: patience on bike lanes when little ones slow the pace, and vigilance at intersections. After all, they're the cyclists of tomorrow!
In its own way, 2020 has brought us a lot. The worldwide bicycle boom is not just a passing fad, but the spark of a new-found humanity.
Happy back-to-school biking!
Suzanne Lareau
President and CEO, Vélo Québec