Splitting the Road Silent for killed cyclists

Splitting the Road: Silent for killed cyclists

More than a hundred cyclists braved the cold on Wednesday evening to support businessman Louis Garneau, who wants to make road users aware of healthy coexistence during the 2023 Tour du Silence.

• Also read: Cycling for women: A Vélo Québec initiative introduces 318 women to cycling

• Also read: Cycling: Canada’s Alison Jackson wins Paris-Roubaix Women

As cycling has become more popular in recent years, more and more cyclists are taking to the roads for fun, exercise or travel.

Sharing the lane is becoming more important than ever, even if the subject is sometimes sensitive. Despite significant improvements, there is not always harmony.

Splitting the Road: Silent for killed cyclists

Photo courtesy of Louis Garneau

“We want to send out a clear message. “There are still too many accidents involving cyclists on our roads,” said Louis Garneau, provincial spokesman for the activity.

The Quebec Cycling Federation has overseen the Tour du Silence at provincial level since 2010. Seventeen other cities organized a similar ride on Wednesday evening. The annual event also aims to commemorate cyclists killed on the road.

accidents

Finally, last March, a cyclist who was hit by a lorry died at Thetford Mines as a result of the accident.

The 61-year-old man, originally from Thetford Mines, was driving on Ouellet Boulevard. The accident happened as he was about to enter Route 112.

Last Sunday, a 16-year-old cyclist was seriously injured after a collision with a car in Lévis, in the Pintendre sector.

According to the Police Department of the City of Lévis (SPVL), the impact occurred around 8:45 p.m. near the intersection of Avenue des Ruisseaux and Route du Président-Kennedy.

The cyclist reportedly suffered head trauma and multiple fractures.

Multiple deaths

Last year, seven cyclists were killed in Quebec and hundreds were seriously injured in a collision with a motor vehicle.

In the United States, every year 1,000 cyclists die and more than 130,000 are injured in a collision with a motor vehicle driver.

The Tour du Silence started in Texas in 2003. Its founder wanted to respond to the death of a fellow cyclist who was hit by a bus.

Can you share information about this story with us?

Do you have a scoop that might be of interest to our readers?

Write to us or call us directly at 1-800-63SCOOP.