As we look back over the highlights of last year's cycling news, we can see that many issues will continue to attract attention in 2016. Let's hope that the outcome of the following issues will live up to our aspirations:
Modernization of the Highway Safety Code
This spring, the Minister of Transport is due to table a bill to modernize the Highway Safety Code. Let's hope that the message from cyclists will have been heard, and that the new Code will take into account the evolution of cycling and better recognize the place we want bicycles to have in our cities and on our roads. We hope, among other things, to see the adoption of the principle of prudence, a clear definition of the overtaking distance to be respected by motorists and a redefinition of the notion of accident to take account of impingement, as well as the lifting of demerit points for offences committed on a bicycle but recorded on a car driver's licence.
The arrival of a new Road Safety Code is also an opportunity to continue the discussion on the place of cycling in our society. Let's hope for more harmonious relations between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, but this wish will only become reality if we all work together in this direction.
Green Fund contributes to the development of bicycle-friendly environments
The aim of the Green Fund is to finance measures to reduce greenhouse gases, particularly in the transportation sector. Every year, millions of dollars from the carbon market and the levy on fossil fuels accumulate in the Green Fund. We've already made a suggestion to the government: use the Green Fund to rapidly create bike-friendly environments throughout Quebec. Let's help cities, which are responsible for deploying coherent cycling networks, to meet the needs of Quebecers. Let's use the Green Fund to maintain and further develop the Route verte, a Quebec jewel that took us 21 years to build.
More room for 4-season cycling
Every winter, more and more cyclists choose to keep pedaling. However, cities still have work to do to provide a 4-season cycle network. Let's hope that milder winters will convince them to move away from seasonal bike lanes to year-round facilities.
To all of you, I wish you a healthy 2016, thanks to cycling!
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
