In 2022, cycling is more popular than ever. And in the current context, it is positioned as a simple solution to complex problems such as climate change or inflation, and contributes to improving the health of Quebecers. That's why cycling needs to play a bigger role in government policy. It is in this context that Vélo Québec presents its priorities political parties.
These requests revolve around three main themes: investments supporting the development of bicycle facilities, road safety and the promotion of bicycle use for active transportation or leisure. More than mere themes, these three topics are the pillars of cycling's advancement in Quebec society.
In the context of the upcoming election, these themes are part of a broad set of societal choices that Quebecers must make: to fight inflation and the ecological crisis head-on, or to accept the status quo. If we don't act now, we'll find ourselves decades behind when these already glaring issues become undeniable.
Concrete proposals
This choice includes increased investment in municipal financial assistance programs for active transportation infrastructure. An annual minimum of 100 M$, as opposed to the 41 to 48 M$ currently invested, would enable municipalities to catch up in the development of walking and cycling infrastructure, as well as complete streets.
A complete street? DEnglish complete street, the complete street is designed and laid out to be safe, practical and pleasant for all users, whatever their mode of transport, physical condition or age. The Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) must respect this principle in all its projects within urban perimeters, particularly in the heart of villages. The nerve centers of many Quebec municipalities need to be designed with all users in mind, rather than focusing on the flow of traffic through them.
Funding and developing the road network so that cyclists' needs are systematically integrated into it will help to increase cycling among those who don't feel safe enough to pedal at the moment. To go further and encourage more Quebecers to get on their bikes, it will support this increase with substantial financial incentives for the purchase of bicycles and electrically-assisted bicycles (EABs), as was done at the’Prince Edward Island, at Yukon or in France. The versatility of the EAB makes it an important tool for promoting active transportation; whether for utilitarian, professional or leisure use, this type of bike offers a real alternative to the solo car, as well as a credible option for practicing sustainable transportation on a larger scale.
The importance of acting now
Acting on these points means acting for the present and for the future. It means accepting the major challenges of our time and facing them with courage and ambition. It means thinking about our planet, our health, our quality of life, and that which we will leave to future generations. While the development of new road links dominates the debate, Vélo Québec wants to refocus the conversation on sustainable solutions that take into account the needs of all road users.
Jean-François Rheault
President and CEO, Vélo Québec
*This text was originally published in La Presse on Monday September 12.
