July 18, 2023 - (Montréal, Que.) On July 16 many cyclists took part in a theatrical sit-in in Cartierville to denounce the recurring occupation of the cycling path by parishioners of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic Church during the weekly Sunday mass. This action aims to educate parishioners about the importance of maintaining the integrity of the cycling infrastructures, as well as to ask the borough to install permanent solutions to increase the safety of this area.
“Our goal isn’t to object to religious practise, but rather to remind parishioners about the importance of respecting the spaces dedicated to each mode of transportation,” explains Stéphane Grandgirard, a local cyclist and instigator of the action. “There is nothing divine about illegally parking on cycling paths, forcing cyclists into dangerous situations. Let’s pray for a harmonious cohabitation between cyclists and parishioners, and encourage everyone concerned to use the nearby surrounding parking spots.”
Vélorution Montréal demands concrete measures to correct this situation, starting with the installation of physical barriers to impede illegal parking on the path. Thus, the Collective also invites the Plante administration to instigate immediate steps to ensure the safety and fluidity of cyclists’ safety throughout the entire city of Montréal.
About Vélorution Montréal
Vélorution Montréal is a non-hierarchical collective formed in late 2022 that organizes colourful theatrical actions to counterbalance the dominance of car culture in Montréal.
