Dozens of Montrealers were seen laying on Parc Avenue with their bikes on Monday as part of a “die-in” in order to help raise awareness surrounding cyclist safety on this particular road.
The event took place a day after a deadly bike accident on Parc and just moments after a section of the Saint-Denis Express Bike Network was named in honour of Robert “Bicycle Bob” Silverman.
Silverman died in February 2022 and was an activist — helping Montreal become a more bike-friendly city.
Vélorution Montréal organizes “theatrical actions to counterbalance the dominance of car culture in Montréal,” and was the collective behind the “die-in.”
“Every life lost here is the result of political choices. Parc Avenue could be transformed, but the authorities continue to maintain a deadly urban highway at the heart of Montreal,” said Séverine Le Page, founding member of Vélorution Montréal. “As long as the safety of pedestrians and cyclists comes after the convenience of drivers, we will remain mobilized.”
The action, at the corner of Parc and Bernard, was also a way to pay tribute to a 31-year-old cyclist who was killed the day before on this street.
“We all share a responsibility to protect those who choose to walk or cycle,” said Magali Bebronne, spokesperson for Vélo Québec, who also had representatives present on Monday to support the call for a safer Parc Avenue.
Vélorution Montréal added that between 2013 and 2024, eight people were killed while walking or cycling on this street.
“The death and collision statistics on Parc Avenue are shocking,” said Bebronne. “We need to act because the status quo is unacceptable.”