To ride a bike, is it enough to know how to pedal? Answer: no. Imperfect infrastructure, the need to cohabit with vehicles of all sizes and the complexity of interactions all require constant vigilance... and a certain understanding of road dynamics. Even though many of us have a driver's license, it doesn't prepare us for the specificities of cycling. I shudder, for example, when I see a cyclist weaving between a truck and a sidewalk, or speeding down a busy street. And what can I say about all those who ride after dark, without any lights on their bikes!
To make cyclists aware of these realities and inform them of best practices and their obligations, this month we are launching the On the road, our safety is linked to that of others. Although our road record shows immense progress over the last twenty years, there's still room for improvement. And everyone has to do their bit: a 2014 report by the SPVM found that in collisions between cyclists and motorists, the blame was shared almost equally (43 % for cyclists, 57 % for motorists).
Beyond the sometimes tragic consequences of these collisions, this campaign is also a call to civic-mindedness. We are regularly questioned by citizens who feel that cyclists don't respect the rules enough, as well as by cyclists who tell us they don't know the specifics of the bicycle code of conduct. At Vélo Québec, safety has been at the heart of our mission for 51 years, and we hope this campaign will encourage cyclists to ride well.
The Fonds de la sécurité routière du Québec is enabling us to carry out this campaign, and we're also calling on other natural partners, including Quebec's nine public transit companies, all members of the Association des transports urbains (ATUQ), and the Groupe Robert trucking company. Several other organizations will also be relaying the campaign's messages. This kind of mobilization can only move things in the right direction, and remind us that on the road, our safety is linked to that of others.
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
