Let’s be honest: who really has time to work out three times a week, block off an hour for the gym, or get up at dawn to run around the block? Not me. And probably not you either.
But what if we could move without even realizing it? Without having to gear up, sweat, plan… or even think about it?
That’s exactly what cycling offers.
It’s not another workout to add to our to-do list. It’s a way to get around. A reflex. A gentle, natural, almost lazy way… to stay active.
Every pedal stroke is a small investment in our health — for our heart, our lungs, our mental well-being. As a recent La Presse article reminded us: we can get healthier simply by biking to work (in French only). No need to go faster. Just… go.
And while our bodies are in motion without us giving it much thought, our cities are transforming too. Less traffic, cleaner air, a renewed sense of community. Québec City is already ahead of the curve: the WHO considers it a pioneer city in urban health (in French). That’s encouraging. And more importantly, it proves that together, we’re moving in the right direction — powered by our own legs.
So this month, no extreme resolutions. No pressure. Just an invitation to make a simple, joyful, light choice: take your bike. Even once a week. Even just to pick up some milk. Because sometimes, good health starts with a small detour on two wheels.
And to encourage you, Vélo Québec is issuing a challenge — one that’s only a “challenge” in name: join or start a community that speaks to your heart — your workplace, your school, your neighborhood, your region, or the Vélo Québec community — and log your rides to participate in the Bike Month Challenge. A little friendly competition between colleagues or neighbors is a great way to add some excitement to this beautiful two-wheeled month of May!
As for us, we’ll keep stating the obvious: if we want to improve the health of Quebecers, we absolutely cannot overlook the bicycle! That’s the message behind our Bike Month promotional campaign, which will be rolled out throughout May online and in your communities — with the well-deserved support of the Ministry of Health and Social Services as an official partner.
It’s also the point we emphasized in our recent participation in the government consultation on the 2025 National Health Prevention Strategy (in French). Our request? That every child in Québec receive cycling education starting in elementary school. A small step that could prevent big problems down the road.
Jean-François Rheault
President, Vélo Québec
