Elected municipal officials like to put forward projects that meet with public approval. Nothing could be more natural. That's why they put all the chances on their side through consultations that give them a good idea of what needs to be improved or modified in a project. In these consultations, the people who give their opinion obviously have much more impact than those who don't.
Today, many Quebec cities are striving to restore a human dimension to their neighborhoods. Here at home, this global trend is reflected in the adoption of policies and measures to promote active transportation. In fact, municipal projects with an impact on cycling are becoming increasingly common.
Of course, Vélo Québec attends many consultation sessions to put forward the point of view of cyclists, but we can't be everywhere at once. So I encourage you to get involved individually in your community when there are public consultations. When cyclists are absent, other citizens defending other points of view monopolize the attention. In fact, at the round table of elected representatives during the recent Winter Bike Congress, they asked us to help them get the projects that concern us accepted by making our point of view heard during these consultations.
In recent years, the reform of the Highway Safety Code has generated a great deal of interest and hope among cyclists. I'm pleased to see that many of you were present and assiduous during the Société d'assurance automobile du Québec consultation tour on this subject. Making our point of view heard on such an important issue is essential to ensure that the legislator takes our reality and needs into consideration.
In short, cycling mobilization is more necessary than ever.
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
