Montreal residents staged a powerful demonstration on Parc Avenue, lying down with their bicycles in a symbolic “die-in” to spotlight the pressing issue of cyclist safety along this route.
The protest came in the wake of a tragic bike accident on Parc Avenue the day before and the dedication of a section of the Saint-Denis Express Bike Network to the memory of Robert “Bicycle Bob” Silverman, a passionate advocate for cycling in Montreal who passed away in February 2022.
Vélorution Montréal, a group known for organizing creative actions against car-centric culture in the city, orchestrated the impactful “die-in,” emphasizing the need for safer infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians in Montreal.
Séverine Le Page, a founding member of Vélorution Montréal, highlighted the critical need for urban transformation on Parc Avenue, stressing that prioritizing the convenience of drivers over the safety of vulnerable road users must change.
In addition to honoring Robert Silverman, the demonstration aimed to remember a 31-year-old cyclist who tragically lost their life on Parc Avenue just the day before. Magali Bebronne, spokesperson for Vélo Québec, stressed the collective responsibility to safeguard pedestrians and cyclists on city streets.
Vélorution Montréal pointed out alarming statistics showing that between 2013 and 2024, eight individuals lost their lives while walking or cycling on Parc Avenue, underscoring the urgent need for action to prevent further tragedies.
