Since its inception 40 years ago, the Go Vélo Montréal Festival has transformed the city into a vibrant playground for cycling enthusiasts. This weekend, both novice and seasoned cyclists are invited to rediscover the urban landscape on two wheels, marking a significant milestone in cycling culture in the region.
Approximately 40,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the festival, with around 19,000 riders for the Tour de l’île de Montréal and the Tour la Nuit. Last week, nearly 2,900 individuals took part in the Défi métropolitain, the first event of the festival. It is worth noting that last year, more than 18,000 cyclists joined the Tour de l’île, which kicked off at Parc Jeanne-Mance.
Vélo Québec, the non-profit organization responsible for this grand cycling gathering, is celebrating the 40th edition of the Tour de l’île under a retro 1980s theme, a nod to the event’s beginnings in 1985, as explained by Jean-François Rheault, the organization’s CEO. Participants are encouraged to don their most colorful outfits to further enliven the streets of the city as they ride.
The Tour de l’île aims to be an inclusive gathering, presenting a range of routes catering to different levels of athleticism and experience. The minimum distance is set at 50 km, aiming to accommodate families with children or casual urban cyclists. For more avid riders, the Découvertes route offers a marked circuit that extends between 70 to 100 km, depending on individual preferences.
Starting from Parc Maisonneuve, the standard 50 km route traverses the eastern parts of Montreal, including Notre-Dame and Sherbrooke streets, as well as Gouin Boulevard. A segment of the Découvertes route coincides with the ordinary course, which will be closed to vehicular traffic, while the latter part runs through the North Shore of Montreal, near Terrebonne and Repentigny.
This year, Vélo Québec is once again offering a nighttime route of 21 km— the Tour la Nuit— which will illuminate various neighborhoods, including Saint-Léonard, Montreal-Nord, and Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie. “It’s a good moment to ensure you’re visible, adding lights to your bicycle and yourself creates a magical movement in the city, like a trail of light,” Rheault noted.
Reflecting on the evolution of cycling culture in Quebec, Rheault affirmed, “the mission of the event remains highly relevant even after 40 years.” The various routes closed off from automobile traffic not only allow cyclists to ride more freely but also promote the idea of reclaiming the cityscape. “When you ride in the middle of the street, you have a different perspective on the architecture and buildings of the city,” he added.
To ensure a smooth and safe experience, numerous volunteers and police officers will be on hand to maintain distance between cyclists and motorists. The organizers encourage attendees to check traffic information on their website in advance to plan for potential detours. Interactive maps and a complete schedule of road closures are available online to assist participants.
It’s not too late for interested individuals to join the festivities by registering through the event website or in person at the Maison des Cyclistes in Montreal, which is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM throughout the week. Additionally, a traffic assistance line will be available for the public, offering support for navigating the city during the festival days.
As people organize themselves for this exciting occasion, it’s crucial to stay informed about access to health establishments and emergency services. Vélo Québec encourages the public to reach out directly to specific establishments or to utilize Health Info services as needed.
In conclusion, the Go Vélo Montréal Festival continues to shine as a relevant and vital celebration of cycling culture in the city. Whether you’re a casual rider or a hardcore enthusiast, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore Montreal from a fresh perspective. Celebrating 40 years of cycling camaraderie, this year’s festival not only showcases the joy of biking but also fosters a deeper connection between participants and the city, creating shared memories that resonate for years to come.
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