Electronic Newsletter – June 2007
Official inauguration of the Route verte
| Official International Opening – June, July, August 2007
The Route verte is a bicycle network extending for almost 4,000 kilometres throughout the various regions of Quebec. Over a period of more than 12 years, almost a thousand different organizations have contributed to its development. The official international inauguration of this route—the largest cycling network in the Americas—will take place in June, July and August 2007.
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Gatineau to Quebec City, by way of thanks!
On June 17, 2007, Michel Légère, former mayor of Hull and current chair of the board of directors of Vélo Québec Association, will embark on a commemorative bicycle trip from Gatineau to Quebec City. “For us,” explains Mr. Légère, “the idea is for a group of friends to travel together as a way of saying thank-you to all the decision-makers and volunteers who have supported us from the outset (1987-1991) and who have contributed to the development of cycling and the Route verte in recent years. And it’s not a bad way to get a little exercise…” More details »
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New Route verte shuttle with Croisières AML
After the Lévis-Québec ferry, it was the turn of the Montréal-Longueuil river shuttle to be officially baptized as part of the Route verte, on June 2. The ceremony was attended by cyclists from Burlington, Vermont (Local Motion), and Ontario (Waterfront Trail), who were in Montreal for the Bike Fest. Croisières AML has been operating the shuttle for 15 years, with the financial assistance of the cities of Montreal and Longueuil. But what’s special about this shuttle is that it’s for pedestrians and cyclists only—one-of-a-kind in Quebec! More details » |
© Vélo Québec
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Full steam ahead in the regions
Whether in the 25 towns and cities hosting the inauguration or among the organizers of the various cycling events, preparations for the official inauguration of the Route verte are going very well. More details » |
The international Route verte
About ten experts from Canada, the United States and Europe are expected to arrive on August 4, 2007, to take part in the International Mobile Forum on the Route verte. In addition to exploring the various faces of the Route verte, these guests will have an opportunity to share their experiences on a number of topics. Four breakfast discussions have been scheduled and will take place in: Val David (Monday, August 6), Montreal (Tuesday, August 7), Sherbrooke (Wednesday, August 8) and Shawinigan (Thursday, August 9). A lunch and learn will also be held in Chambly on Tuesday, August 7. During discussions about initiatives such as the Vias Verdes in Spain, the North Sea Cycle Route, Eurovelo and North American bicycle networks, a broad range of topics will be addressed—everything from signage to sustainability to information systems to continuous improvement. For more information or to register for one of these mealtime sessions, contact Florence-Léa Siry at fsiry@velo.qc.ca or at 514-521-8356, extension 309.
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© Gaétan Fontaine |
Front and centre...
If you are taking part in the Grand Tour (August 4-10), you will be in the front row for the official inauguration of the Route verte. The itinerary of the 2007 Grand Tour is loaded with breathtaking landscapes: lac Saint-Jean, Saguenay, North Shore, Charlevoix and Côte-de-Beaupré! There’s still time to register for this landmark bicycle tourism event. More details » |
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Bienvenue cyclistes! directory
Accommodations and campsites offering a specific set of bicycle-friendly services (e.g. covered and locked nighttime storage facilities for bicycles, guaranteed spaces at campsites for cyclists without reservations). Locate all these little extras by consulting the new 2007 Bienvenue cyclistes! directory. A guide that will help you make the most of your bicycle vacation! More info about |
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Deux filles en vacances
Don’t miss the Route verte segments on the television show Deux filles en vacances, broadcast Mondays at 9 p.m. on TVA.
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Upcoming events
Destination Route verte•07, July 16-August 10
Six young cyclists will cycle through various regions of Québec to encourage the public to hop on their bikes and discover the Route verte on their own. Daily press reports and blogs on www.routeverte.com.
The Route verte’s International Mobile Forum, August 5-10
The Route verte will undergo its first international evaluation by a group of experts in bikeway development during a roving five-day conference. The event will bring together a dozen specialists from around the world and the Québec partners who have played a part in the development of the Route verte.
Official and International Opening of the Route verte, August 10
An enormous celebration will be held in the Québec City area, simultaneously with official ceremonies in 25 locations throughout the province.
Walk 21 - Putting Pedestrians First, Toronto, October 1-4
Urban Mobility and Advanced Transport (MUTA), Mont-Tremblant et Saint-Jérôme, October 3-5
Two international calibre forums on the future of transportation are joining forces in 2007 to hold a unique event, which will be the highlight of transportation events for the year in Canada.
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