The second edition of Sub-zero cycling, held in Montreal on February 15, was a resounding success, despite the intense cold that dampened the spirits of many. While last year's event made headlines for its originality and craziness, in 2015 we were in for an entirely different dynamic. Indeed, the presence of numerous local politicians (first and foremost Mayor Denis Coderre, but also the Mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough Luc Ferrandez and the representatives for sport and leisure as well as transportation on the city's executive committee, Jim Beis and Aref Salem) who took up the cause of winter cycling clearly demonstrated that it is part of Montreal culture. When asked on television why bicycles were allowed to circulate in winter in Montreal, Mayor Coderre replied that Montreal is the capital of cycling, that it owns and maintains a white network, and that we simply have to get used to seeing cyclists 12 months a year!
Gradually, the media is moving away from its alarmist tone and realizing that the 50,000 winter cyclists in Montreal (statistics taken from L'état du vélo au Québec en 2010) are pretty smart people after all. Talk to them and you'll find that they see little difference between cycling in winter and in the warmer months - apart from the ice on the streets, of course. They'll tell you that cycling in winter means freedom, autonomy, efficiency and speed, time and time again.
The other good news is that the Mayor of Montreal is frequently talking about fitness these days. He's currently taking up the 5/30 challenge and is keen to get fit, especially for the next Tour de l’Île de Montréal, which he has promised to take part in. It's great to see an elected official promoting cycling and inviting people to follow him in a cycling activity accessible to all. And he's not the only one! In the majority of Quebec cities, there are mayors and elected officials who are convinced cyclists and know that cycling is popular and that people like cycling facilities. In your municipality, I invite you to discover these cycling allies among your elected representatives. And, if you haven't already done so, encourage them to promote cycling in their city.
I wish you a wonderful month of cycling in March.
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
