For the past few months, not a single week has gone by without mention of cycling in the newspapers. […] Television newscasts also add their two cents to it, not to mention that on state radio, it’s on the show every day. the
15-18 that we can hear the number of daily passages on some of Montreal’s major bicycle routes.
All of this is encouraging, as it is a sign that commuting by bicycle is becoming more common and is recognized as an integral part of a modern city. […] What is just as pleasing is that, in the subtext of this presence of the use of bicycles in the media, there is a certain awareness of the omnipresence of the car, which occupies so much of space in the city and eating away at the surrounding beauty.
In this regard, we must of course salute the work done by Projet Montréal and its elected officials. Since the party came to power, the City has come a long way. The REV is a convincing example among many others. But this does not mean that we should sit on this success. I’m not saying that’s what Projet Montréal does. But I wonder. Shouldn’t we build on this success to invest more money in safe cycling infrastructure, to expand the offer, and this, right now? The City’s most recent bicycle plan disappointed more than one.
It should not be taken for granted that Projet Montréal will be re-elected in the next municipal elections. And, currently, no other party has the momentum, courage and vision to take cycling to the next level.
Is the bicycle political? Right now, I think so. And I, who am only a humble pedaller, of the order of those who travel by bicycle on a daily basis to go through the city with my beautiful machine (as I like to call it), yes the bicycle is political. With each pedal stroke I give, I have the impression of anchoring myself in a promising social project that could transform it.
To see in video