Despite what the media says, there were no record-breaking bicycle accidents in 2014. In Montreal, the number of deaths and serious accidents involving cyclists even fell quite a bit compared with 2013. However, this alarmist rhetoric worries many people, especially parents. It even leads us to believe that cycling among children, which fell by 9 % between 2005 and 2010, is likely to fall even further. Is this a consequence of over-mediatization of accidents, over-protection of parents, or a combination of both?
To reverse this trend and reposition the cycling experience at its most positive, Vélo Québec has decided to create the Certificat cycliste averti. Inspired by best practices abroad, this is a school-based cycling education program aimed at students in the 5e or 6e year of primary school. Its aim is to help children become autonomous and safe cyclists, and to reassure parents about their children's ability to travel safely.
Currently running as a pilot project in 5 Montreal schools, the program involves both regular teachers, who pass on the basics of road safety on bicycles, and physical education teachers, who are called upon to develop young people's motor skills. The synthesis of all this learning takes place in the real world: following a group outing under the supervision of professional coaches, the Certificate culminates in an individual street test. We are working to ensure that this program is rapidly rolled out across Quebec.
Here's some good news to kick off spring on your bike!
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
