Mr. Bonnardel, I congratulate you on your appointment as Quebec's Minister of Transport, a position that brings with it immense challenges in 2018. Your decisions and the actions of your ministry will of course have an impact on the mobility of people and the transportation of goods, but also on the entire Quebec economy, the health of its citizens and, of course, the environment. At a time when the number of cars on our roads has never been so high, and when 40 % of greenhouse gas emissions are generated by transportation, you will have a crucial role to play in implementing concrete solutions that will contribute to meeting Quebec's commitments to the international community in the fight against climate change.
In recent years, we have had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Quebec's sustainable mobility policy. This policy is not perfect, but it has the merit of taking Quebec in the right direction. We hope that you will preserve this important work, made possible thanks to the involvement of numerous civil society organizations, and that you will continue it.
As a cyclist, you're well aware of the many health and environmental benefits associated with cycling. When combined with public transit, carpooling or carsharing, cycling becomes a simple and effective way to reduce GHGs and improve everyone's health. In Quebec, cycling is popular in the purest sense of the word. It reaches 4 million Quebecers, who are increasingly using it in their daily lives. It is essential to encourage them to pedal even more, by offering them favorable environments on the way to school or work, and by adapting the Highway Safety Code so that they feel considered as full-fledged users as cyclists, and protected as vulnerable users.
For over 30 years, Vélo Québec has been working with your ministry to advance the place of cycling in our society. Rest assured that we intend to continue working together to promote sustainable mobility and make cycling an integral part of contemporary mobility.
Cyclistly yours!
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
