The widow of an octogenarian cyclist who was killed in an accident last June near Route 173 between Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce and Beauceville is accusing the government and the Department of Transportation of being responsible for her spouse’s death.
“Yves was careful and he was a good cyclist. “I don’t blame the people involved in the accident because it’s more the government’s fault,” confided Diane Parent emotionally on the sidelines of a memorial ceremony in honor of her late spouse.
Diane Parent, wife of Yves Lemelin | Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
What seemed like an ordinary bike ride turned into a nightmare on June 11th. Yves Lemelin, an 80-year-old cycling enthusiast, was hit by a driver.
Mr. Lemelin, like all cyclists, then tried to reach the other section of the bike path via Route 173, as there was no bridge over the Calway River, which had been needed for more than two decades.
“They did not move forward with the construction of the bridge that has been demanded for decades, they are responsible for it,” added Diane Parent.
Emotionally, however, the latter was very satisfied with the ceremony, at which a white-painted bicycle was to be placed at the scene of the accident on Saturday as a memorial, but she still hopes that something will happen as a result so that such incidents do not happen again.
Several relatives were present to honor Yves Lemelin and lay flowers | Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
A problematic sector
For the lady, the event, organized in collaboration with the organization Souliers et Vélos Phantoms Québec (SVFQ), was also an opportunity to raise awareness among motorists.
“I thought it was important to raise awareness among passing motorists and cyclists to ensure that Yves did not die in vain,” she emphasized.
A few minutes later, a driver sped past another car while a cyclist was driving not far from the memorial.
Cyclists on the 173 near the memorial | Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
In fact, the intersection of the cycle path is in a passing zone, which SVFQ volunteer Laurent Deslauriers regrets.
Laurent Deslauriers, volunteer with the organization Souliers et Bikes Phantoms Québec (SVFQ) | Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
Residents in the area have also pointed out that this type of behavior is common in the area, which they consider dangerous since motorists “often have a heavy footing” on that portion of the 173.
Quietly, not quickly
The CAQ Deputy for Beauce-Nord, Luc Provençal, and the Prefect of the MRC Beauce-Centre, Jonathan V. Bolduc, met on site and also took the opportunity to say a word about the progress of the bridge project.
“Climate change brings with it new requirements. It’s not just about building a bridge, we also have to ensure its sustainability, but things are progressing very well.”
From left to right: the prefect of the MRC Beauce-Centre, Jonathan V. Bolduc, and the CAQ deputy in Beauce-Nord, Luc Provençal | Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
He added that there are currently several options on the design board and that frequent discussions are being held with the Ministry of Transport to finally realize this project, which will take place over several years.
For his part, Luc Provençal assures that it was never about money and that the main obstacle lies in the environment and the sector considered a flood zone.
According to the prefect, everything should be completed during 2024, at least he hopes so.
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