Even before the beginnings of Vélo Québec in January 1967 - then under the name of Fédération cyclotouriste provinciale - its founder.., Gabriel Lupien, Lupien was keen to show young people how to practice their sport safely, particularly through cycle touring. As early as 1956, Lupien founded the École de cyclotourisme, which was so popular that it became a touring school.
Passing on knowledge of cycling has always been a passion within the organization. The first cycle touring courses aimed to train cyclists to be safe, autonomous and efficient, capable of camping, mapping out a route, climbing, etc.
Then in 1975, just as cycling was enjoying a new wave of popularity, the cycle touring course to become an initiator (who accompanies a group) or instructor (who trains initiators). It was through one of these internships in 1979 that Suzanne Lareau, now President and CEO, was introduced to Vélo Québec!
Since then, Vélo Québec has developed a range of training courses aimed as much at young people and adults as at municipalities and businesses. Created in 2015, the Cycliste averti is designed to prepare 5th and 6th graders for safe, independent cycling in their environment, and to encourage physical activity among young people. Taking place at school, the program combines theoretical and practical instruction, and gives students the opportunity to experience cycling on the street. The program is rolling out in Montreal, Mauricie, Lanaudière, Montérégie, Capitale-Nationale and Outaouais, and is expected to reach 2,800 students in 2018. In April 2017, Cycliste averti trained 1,100 students and won the Quebec Transportation Association award in the ’Innovation-Project« category.
Over the years, Vélo Québec has developed outstanding expertise, which it shares and makes available to everyone: by offering a complete range of consulting to municipalities; by publishing every five years The state of cycling in Quebec; by publishing technical literature; by offering training for individuals and companies; broadcasting its point of view on the major issues surrounding active transportation.
On an individual level, Vélo Québec offers some 50 training sessions each year in Montreal and Quebec City, including Mechanics I and II, for people who want to be more independent on the road, Certified cycling instructors, created in 1988, which trains cyclists to intervene appropriately during group outings, as part of popular tours or trips, as well as a bicycle touring workshop, Vélo Québec also offers the Vélo Québec Training Program, for those who want to improve their cycling efficiency and learn pedaling and climbing techniques. For companies and municipalities, Vélo Québec offers to analyze their needs in terms of bicycle parking and, since 2003, has been training Pedestrian and cyclist-friendly facilities.
From the outset, Vélo Québec has been committed to passing on its knowledge. This is the ideal way to create a genuine cycling culture among the population, where pleasure and safety go hand in hand.
