The impressive increase in bicycle use in recent years has manifested itself in many different ways. Overall, more and more people are using them: more and more for transport, more and more every day, and more and more 12 months a year. And on this last point, the trend is easily observable. With autumn conditions stretching into mid-December, the context is more propitious. People cycle in winter for the same reasons they do at other times of the year: it's fast, efficient and can easily be combined with public transport when conditions are really unfavorable.
Every year, Vélo Québec makes this reality known, particularly to the authorities of the City of Montreal, which has the highest concentration of 4-season cyclists in Quebec. Last year, we even proposed that the city produce a catalog of ideas and best practices, and organize a working day with the people in charge of planning bike paths and winter road maintenance operations. The aim is to share concerns, brainstorm ideas and put forward solutions to promote better winter cycling.
Of course, Quebec is not the only place in the world where bicycles are used all year round. Cycling is used in North American and European cities with climates comparable to ours. How can we integrate cycling into cities with snow and cold weather? How to design bicycle facilities? How can we ensure proper pavement maintenance? These are just some of the recurring questions that will be addressed at the second International Winter Bicycle Congress, to be held in Winnipeg from February 11 to 14. Last year, 125 participants from Europe, Canada and the United States (planners, engineers, activists) gathered near the Arctic Circle, in Oulu, Finland, for the first meeting of its kind. A resounding success! Winter biking is developing at breakneck speed, and the subject is almost inexhaustible. Proud to be an official partner of this second International Winter Cycling Congress, Vélo Québec will be there, sharing its success stories and presenting ideas that will enable Montreal and other northern cities to better consider and legitimize the use of 4-season cycling.
An event not to be missed!
wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org
