The popularity of four-season cycling is undeniably on the rise. White networks in Montreal, Longueuil and elsewhere, increasingly mild winters (well, there are exceptions) and the formidable efficiency of cycling in all conditions are encouraging more and more people to ride 12 months a year. It's hardly surprising that between December and March, the bike paths on Rachel Street and de Maisonneuve Boulevard in Montreal welcome an average of 600 cyclists a day, equivalent to 12 % to 14 % of summer traffic.
At Vélo Québec, we've always believed in the impact of the mass effect to encourage more people to cycle and take their place on the road. That's why this winter we're responding to your many requests by launching a winter bike happening: Sub-zero cycling. This gentle 15 km ride, most of which will take place on the City of Montreal's White Network, is designed to demystify winter cycling. In short, it's a fun experience for cyclists of all kinds.
Many people imagine the worst conditions when it comes to winter biking. And yet, riding outdoors and playing sports in winter have always been part of Quebec culture. It's true that the road surface is not the same as in summer, and that you have to adapt your riding accordingly. In fact, all you have to do is drive more slowly and take the corners a little wider.
We have designed Sub-zero cycling - in partnership with ENvironnement JEUnesse - as a convivial urban happening where seasoned winter cyclists and neophytes meet to ride together, share experiences and give each other winter riding tips. The event is free, but we ask you to register on our website to get an idea of how many we'll be. Our participation forecasts are modest for this first edition: we're hoping to gather 300 people who'll be keen to give sub-zero cycling a try.
Let's face it, whatever the weather conditions (well, almost, we leave ourselves a little margin): rain, snowstorm, blowing snow, mild weather or freezing cold, Sub-zero cycling will take place! Get out your bike and come and experience something out of the ordinary. See you on Sunday, February 16 at 10 a.m., arriving and departing from the Maison des cyclistes in Montreal!
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
Vélo Québec
