Centre multisports
Centre multisports

The 2017 Ride of Silence: Honoring Fallen Cyclists

2017-05-18
The 2017 Ride of Silence: Honoring Fallen Cyclists

On May 17, 2017, the cycling clubs ZVP-Opto Réseau from the Centre Multisports and Le Suroît co-organized the Ride of Silence starting from the Centre Multisports in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Cyclists rode silently through the city’s streets to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on our roads.

This powerful event served as a call for solidarity and mutual respect among all road users. Roads are shared spaces and should be safely accessible for both motorists and cyclists. Through respectful coexistence, we can prevent serious and fatal road accidents.

A Reminder of Local Tragedies

Exactly 20 years ago, a 14-year-old boy was fatally struck while riding his bike on Lotbinière Road in Vaudreuil-Dorion. From 2010 to 2014, 132 cyclists in Vaudreuil-Soulanges were seriously or lightly injured in vehicle collisions, with two fatalities reported, according to SAAQ police reports. These statistics likely underestimate the real number of victims, as they only account for incidents reported to the police.

Promoting a Safe Cycling Region

Vaudreuil-Soulanges is evolving as a bike-tourism destination. Through events like the Ride of Silence, we aim to raise awareness about safe road-sharing practices. Municipalities are encouraged to design bike-friendly infrastructures that enhance safety and reduce the number and severity of accidents.

What Can We All Do?

As motorists:

  • Maintain a 1.5-meter distance when passing a cyclist in zones over 50 km/h

  • Always yield to vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians

  • Avoid honking near cyclists, which could startle them and cause accidents

As cyclists:

  • Follow the rules of the road

  • Wear a helmet

  • Stay visible at all times

  • Signal your intentions clearly

Supported by the SAAQ

Since 2010, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has partnered with the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes to provide support for Ride of Silence organizers.

The 2017 edition was also made possible thanks to the involvement of several key partners:
The City of Vaudreuil-Dorion, the Sûreté du Québec, the CISSSMO, and the Zèbre Rouge. Together, these organizations reinforce the message that road safety is a shared responsibility.