Montréal, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - At today's presentation of the 2026-2027 budget, Eric Girard, Quebec's Minister of Finance, announced increased funding for the management of Route verte. Vélo Québec welcomes this important investment.
The Route verte, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, is the largest bicycle route in North America and the backbone of active mobility in Quebec. This flagship project affects the whole province, and is the fruit of the collective commitment of hundreds of people.
The Route verte, our national cycling network, offers Quebecers diversified mobility options, promotes an active lifestyle and supports bicycle tourism across the province.It also generates economic and environmental benefits: it helps reduce transportation-related expenses for families, stimulates local tourism spin-offs and helps reduce the province's carbon footprint.
The investments announced will help accelerate the expansion of Route verte and provide better support for the 200 managers who maintain it throughout Quebec.
Despite these advances, the shift towards broader sustainable mobility remains to be made. According to the TRANSIT Alliance, the current investment ratio between mass transit, which receives 26 % of funding, and road transport, which receives 74 %, is at an all-time low. This situation takes us a long way from the previously set target of 50 %-50 %. At a time when it is essential to reduce the financial burden on families, promoting public and active transportation remains the most effective way of supporting the household economy while responding to environmental issues.
«Cycling plays a central role in the transition to a more sustainable Quebec. Supporting projects like Route verte is a concrete step in the right direction and excellent news for everyone.» - Jean-François Rheault, President and CEO, Vélo Québec
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About Vélo Québec
Vélo Québec's mission is to develop a cycling culture for everyone, everywhere in Quebec. A national recreational organization recognized by the Quebec government, Vélo Québec promotes the use of bicycles for recreation, tourism and active transportation, in order to improve the health and well-being of the population, contribute to the economic vitality of our regions and meet our environmental challenges.
With its unique and original expertise, Vélo Québec is a benchmark in the planning, development and management of cycling infrastructures. Its know-how is put to good use in the municipal sector and among players involved in the transition to sustainable mobility.
In addition to its events, trips, publications and technical expertise, Vélo Québec coordinates education and mobilization programs, and oversees the deployment and standardization of Route verte.
Vélo Québec is also a key interlocutor with various levels of government to identify needs and solutions for improving and increasing bicycle use.
Information
Vélo Québec
Public relations and communications
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514 942-0743
