Cyclists fill Montreal streets for 40th Tour de l’Île
Posted June 1, 2025 12:07 pm.
Last Updated June 1, 2025 2:41 pm.
Montreal’s streets were taken over by bicycles on Sunday as thousands of riders of all ages and abilities took part in the 40th edition of the Tour de l’Île. The annual event transformed the city into a car-free zone for a day, celebrating cycling and community.
Organized by Vélo Québec, this year’s edition paid tribute to the event’s 1980s origins, with participants invited to wear vintage outfits and enjoy themed music and entertainment.
Jean-François Rheault, CEO of Vélo Québec, described the atmosphere as festive and nostalgic.
“This year we’re in the spirit of the 80s with 80s music and 80s costumes,” he said.
“We had the departure varying fluorescent colors. It was a lot of fun. It’s just a great party.”
Fun, not competition
The event offered two route options: a 50-kilometre loop through the city for families and casual cyclists, and a longer discovery route ranging from 68 to 96 kilometres for more experienced riders. Both allowed participants to experience Montreal from a different perspective, at a slower pace, on streets closed to motor traffic.
Rheault emphasized that the event is focused on fun and accessibility, not competition.
“There’s no race. There’s no stopwatch. There’s no medals,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important in creating a cycling culture because it’s mostly for fun.”
He added that for many, completing the event is a personal achievement.
“By creating events like this we make it possible for them. That creates confidence and it helps them to bring cycle in their daily lives.”
Riders highlight community spirit
Participants pointed to the inclusive nature of the tour as one of its main draws. For Richard Shearmur, the energy and togetherness stood out.
“It’s like a bike festival,” he said.
“It’s fun. It’s nice to ride with so many people to see the enthusiasm.”
Shearmur, who took up cycling about 15 years ago after switching from running, said the range of people and bikes on the road is part of what makes the event meaningful.
“It brings out people of all ages, all different sorts of bikes, all abilities. It’s not a race. It really is for fun,” he said.
“And the fact that for one day bikes take over the city, I think that’s really nice.”
Families, first-timers join the fun
Many cyclists used the day as a chance to ride with family and friends. Vincent Maille said the Tour is a special day for his household.
“I mean we love cycling and it’s just a great family day,” he said.
“You see all Montrealers here. Everyone’s so into cycling.”
Elvaro Wertheman decided to join at the last minute, marking his first time taking part in the tour.
“We were like, why not? It looks super fun,” he said.
“We wanted the weather to be sunny but let’s take it. It’s a little bit rainy but we just want to do it.”
A daily cyclist, Wertheman added, “Bikes are always the best option.”
Open to all ages and abilities
Participation was open to all, with free registration for children under 12 and reduced rates for youth. Riders could sign up online, at the Maison des Cyclistes, or directly at the start line near Rosemont and Pie-IX between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
According to Rheault, accessibility is at the heart of the event’s mission.
“We have people that are babies in baby carriage. We have people over 80 that are participating. This event is accessible and fun,” he said.
“People can cycle today 50 kilometers or between 70 and 105 on streets that are not close to cars a little bit further outside the island.”
A symbol of Montreal’s cycling culture
In addition to offering a fun ride, Rheault said the tour helps reinforce Montreal’s cycling identity—both at home and beyond.
“We have a very strong cycling culture in Montreal and it’s because of events like this that people can know about,” he said.
“More than 10 per cent of our visitors are coming from outside Quebec so that’s very exciting.”
Now in its 40th year, the Tour de l’Île continues to serve as a celebration of community, active transportation, and the joy of discovering the city on two wheels.
