Montreal, Thursday, October 26, 2017 - August 31, Vélo Québec intervened in the municipal election campaign by launching the discussion and exchange platform I vote bike. The aim of this initiative was to give Quebec cyclists the opportunity to take action locally by submitting their own proposals, discussing existing proposals, voting for or against existing proposals or arguments, and sharing these ideas on social networks, in order to make more room for cycling in their municipality.
« I vote bike was an opportunity for Quebec citizens and cyclists to let it be known that cycling commitments will count in their electoral choices on November 5. Vélo Québec now hopes that future administrations will take into account the concerns and wishes expressed by their citizens about cycling on this platform, so as to make cycling a priority during their term of office,» says Vélo Québec. Jean-François Pronovost, Vice President, Development and Public Affairs at Vélo Québec.
The campaign I vote bike ran from August 31 to October 15, generating 1,095 contributions and 3,867 votes from 909 participants across Quebec. Citizens of Quebec's 50 largest cities were able to submit their ideas on the consultation page dedicated to their municipality. Citizens of other Quebec municipalities could express their views on the same issues on a consultation page dedicated to smaller municipalities. The results were then compiled and analyzed. Here are the results:
The big concerns:
- The importance of physical environments in encouraging cycling: developing new links and improving the quality of cycling facilities.
- Direct, efficient access to everyday destinations.
- Living together and sharing the road, in safety.
Main wishes:
- That investments are made to create a continuous cycling network, providing access to employment, study, leisure and commercial centers.
- That developments are carried out according to best practices.
- That we advocate the creation of bicycle lanes on arterial roads, physically separated from automobile traffic.
- That bicycle parking be provided at key destinations, including public transit hubs.
- That the Highway Safety Code be modernized, adapted to the contemporary reality of cycling, and better enforced for all.
I vote bike is an initiative of Vélo Québec, made possible thanks to the support and financial backing of Québec en forme.
