Montreal cyclists ride to honour those who died in bike collisions
Posted May 17, 2023 7:46 pm.
Last Updated May 17, 2023 11:57 pm.
Quebecers from 18 cities across the province, including right in Montreal, took part in a “Ride of Silence“ Wednesday, commemorating cyclists who have lost their lives in road accidents.
The event also promoting road safety between drivers and bicyclist and it takes place every year in more than 450 cities around the world.
“I have like few friends for summer that like have an accident with car so few friend is like too many friends you know already so like multiple friend for a year, that’s sad,” said Camille Desrochers-Laflamme, a Ride of Silence participant.
For Camille Desrochers-Laflamme she’s been cycling for now three years, this ride of silence her second, and an important one for her as she says cyclists and motorists need to share the road.
#WATCH: A Ride of Silence was held Wednesday, commemorating cyclists who have lost their lives in road accidents. The event also promoting road safety between drivers and bicyclist.
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— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) May 17, 2023
“It’s important. It’s like as much as our lives. So if we don’t share, like what happens, what can happen? You know, like it’s your life that’s you put in danger. And at the end of the day, I just want to train. I just want to ride my bike with my friend and maybe, like, go somewhere,” said Desrochers-Laflamme.
Road accidents not unusual for those in attendance.
“I know a lot of people that have passed away, unfortunately, because of run-ins with cars,” explained Ali Kambe, a Ride of Silence participant.
According to the Sûreté du Québec, in 2022 seven cyclist deaths were recorded across Quebec with one here in Montreal.
Kambe says he’s had to adapt on the roads to keep himself safe.
“I’ve gotten used to kind of dealing with cars on the road and being hyper aware, but it shouldn’t be like that. Not everyone has the same amount of experience as other people. So that’s why it’s its extra important that everyone, including cyclists themselves, be aware of the dangers of the road and be mindful of everyone,” explained Kambe.
Marc-Antoine Desjardins the organizer of the Montreal event says promoting road safety between drivers and cyclist is now more than ever important.
“What weight do you have against a car? We weigh nothing next to cars and SUVs. So we have to make sure people understand and maybe we’re going to change habits of people slowly but surely where everybody will going to be able to come together,” explained Desjardins.
Those there, holding a moment of silence for the lives lost, Desrochers-Laflamme says everyone on the road needs to be aware.
“It could be like it’s it’s someone who have a family who our friend who’s going to work today. So, like, it’s changing your life just to be careful for people.”
