Latest news with #JeanFrancoisRheault
CTV News
14-07-2025
- CTV News
Cyclists spotted on Montreal's Metropolitan Expressway
Montrealers are scratching their heads after video emerged of a group of cyclists on the Metropolitan Expressway (A-40). How did these Montreal cyclists wind up on a major highway? There are questions as to how a group of cyclists wound up on the Metropolitan Expressway (Highway 40) in Montreal, trying to cross near the Decarie Expressway (Highway 15). A video posted online, caught from a driver's dashcam, shows five cyclists cutting across the heavily trafficked highway, where it is prohibited to ride a bike. Quebec provincial police confirmed that a call was made about the incident, but noted that officers did not locate the group and the case will not be investigated. There is an $80 fine for riding on a highway. Velo Québec Executive Director Jean-François Rheault said they likely got lost. 'Human mistakes happen,' he said, adding that they were lucky. 'It could've created other impacts.' The video comes after two people were struck in separate collisions; a 79-year-old man was hit by an SUV in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood, and a 28-year-old woman was hit by an 18-wheeler in the Old Port. Dashcam footage shows the woman apparently riding through a stop sign. Rheault said more should be done to keep road users safe. 'Things that would help: adjusting the speed in the surroundings, also following all obligations,' said Rheault. 'If we care about safety, that's where the infrastructure comes in - add another layer of safety.' Velo-Quebec also launched a campaign last June to remind cyclists to watch for pedestrians, especially near bus stops, schools and shared spaces.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Montreal transit strike leads to record numbers on city bike paths
A Bixi bike rider pulls in to a Metro station prior to the restricted hours where metro and buses discontinue service due to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) maintenance workers strike in Montreal on Monday, June 9, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press) MONTREAL — The head of a cycling advocacy group says Montreal's public transit strike has spurred record numbers on the city's bike paths. Jean-François Rheault, CEO of Vélo Québec, says devices installed by the city to count the number of passing bicycles are showing record or near-record levels since the strike began Monday. The strike by 2,400 transit maintenance workers has limited bus and metro service to morning and afternoon rush hours and late at night. Rheault says one bicycle counter on the corner of St-Denis and Rachel streets recorded more than 11,000 trips on Tuesday for the first time. He says some bicycle paths are so crowded that riders are having to wait for more than one traffic light cycle to cross the street. Information from the bicycle counters is uploaded to the City of Montreal's open data portal. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025.
CTV News
01-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
Tour de l'Île: Thousands of cyclists brave rain and wind across Montreal
About 18,000 cyclists cruised down safe, car-free streets, facing wet pavement and winds for Montreal's annual Tour de l'Île. Thousands of cyclists brave rain and wind across Montreal for Tour de l'Île About 18,000 cyclists cruised down safe, car-free streets, facing wet pavement and winds for Montreal's annual Tour de l'Île. People of all ages pedaled along eastern Montreal on the rainy Sunday morning, but some didn't spare the sarcasm. 'Amazing weather,' said Harley McPhee with a laugh. 'Yeah, I'm not scared at all of hypothermia or losing a finger, but it's all good,' added his friend Kevin Bowe. Not everyone found the forecast so funny. 'I think it could have been better,' said nine-year-old Charlie Plante. 'We tried to dress up as warm as possible… just to have fun,' added Celine Choquette. 'Well, we'll try to have fun.' Before the ride even began, some were already dreaming about the end. 'I think I'm going to feel great, and ready for a nap and a large pizza,' said Richard Ziegahn. Others embraced the elements, saying cycling is about connecting with nature, rain or shine. 'It's fun and we're going to be seeing the city,' said Eric Salvas, who participated with his young children. 'Feel the air, feel the land, and just be a part of that,' added Menachem Rottem. That mindset has spread — and so has the gear — since the first Tour de l'Île 40 years ago. Cycling culture has shifted, said Velo Quebec CEO Jean-Francois Rheault. 'People came, you know, cycling in jeans. They didn't have weather gear or anything. Today we can see that people are ready to cycle in all kinds of weather,' he said. After more than 50 kilometres, the finish line felt good, but not everyone was ready to rest. 'My legs are tired but, like, I'm ready for the next 50k,' said Marc Amicarelli. 'I'm gonna go on a run,' said Lester Gariba. Many, though, had a different kind of recovery in mind. 'Probably just be relaxed at home,' said Alexandre Constant. 'Hopefully I get some sleep tonight,' said Ridgy Denis. The ride may be over, but the momentum keeps moving — with more people pedalling for fun, fitness and to travel on their own terms.
