Latest news with #VeloQuebec
CTV News
21-07-2025
- CTV News
To prevent bike theft, Quebec police recommend taking this extra precaution
Registering a bike on Garage 529 is one way to keep your bike safe from theft. (Christine Long/CTV News) Quebec police are calling on cyclists to take a few extra security precautions to prevent bike thefts. While most cyclists own locks, many know that's often not enough. Quebec provincial police recommend taking an extra step by registering with Garage 529. The system helps speed up the recovery process, said Sureté du Québec Cadet Megan Thibeault. 'You report it online and the Sureté du Québec gets an alert that your bike was stolen, so we can help you find it,' said Thibeault. Cadets took to the bike paths Sunday to share prevention tips, including getting the Garage 529 sticker. 'It helps a lot because the stickers are very dissuasive,' said Thibeault. The QR code on the sticker links every bike to an online profile. If it's stolen, police and pawn shops can identify the owner. Cycling promotion group Vélo Québec estimates bike thefts in Montreal top 25,000 per year. Stolen bikes impact more than just a cyclist's wallet, said Vélo Québec executive director Jean-François Rheault. 'Sometimes people say, 'I'm not going to take this bike trip because I'm afraid my bicycle might get stolen,'' he said. Once it happens, Rheault said, they may give up on cycling. 'They will cycle less. Considering the fact that cycling is something good for individuals, but also for society, then it's something that we need to work on seriously,' he said. Cyclist Corran Addison knows the frustration firsthand. His $8,000 bike was locked in his truck, in a quiet neighbourhood, when it vanished last August. 'It was a 12-millimetre steel cable lock, which – that's a burly lock,' he said. He filed a police report. His bike was registered with Garage 529 and turned up at a pawn shop a month later – but there was a catch. 'I was like, 'Hang on a second, I'm having to buy back my bike that was stolen?'' he said. He had to pay the pawn shop the price it paid to buy it: $1,200. While it wasn't ideal, Addison said he believes the system can work if everyone plays their part. 'If the pawn shop is going to be out of money every time they report something like this, then they're not going to be as diligent about reporting it. I'd rather they were diligent,' he said. To stay ahead of thieves, Vélo Québec recommends using a heavy-duty lock or two and consider adding a tracker.
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
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.
