Last November, when the fiscal pact between the Quebec government and the municipalities was signed, we were dismayed to learn that the government was abolishing the 2.8 M$ budget earmarked for the maintenance of municipal and off-road segments of the Route verte. These segments are important, since they total 2900 km, or 55 % of the Route verte. We've already told you about them.
Over the past few months, Vélo Québec has been working hard to find solutions to avoid reducing or even halting maintenance on the Route verte. After months of work and consultations with our partners (municipalities and bicycle network managers), we have just submitted our proposals to the Ministry of Transport to maintain its active role in the maintenance of the Route verte with the municipalities. The aim of this approach is to ensure the safety of all users and preserve the assets and public investments made over the last twenty years.
Vélo Québec's proposals are inspired by the discussions that took place at the Forum on the future of Route verte, held in Quebec City on April 16, which brought together over eighty municipal representatives and stakeholders from all regions.
We call on the Ministry of Transport to heed these concrete proposals, demonstrate its commitment and reiterate its leadership in favor of Route verte - a national route to be preserved.
To consult the proposals made by Vélo Québec to the Quebec government, click here.
We hope that summer will bring good news, and that the Quebec government will endorse one or more of our proposals.
Have a good summer.
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
