My three-province fall speaking tour wrapped up with a trip to Montréal, where I had a fantastic time at the Vélo Québec's symposium! This was my first time attending and I learned so much. A few highlights included:
🚲 Speaking to an engaged audience about e-bike policy in Ontario and the opportunities (and need!) for coordination between our two provinces.
🔋 Learning about the e-bike lending and cycling skills training programs underway in Québec. The work being done to support a culture of cycling across the province is truly inspiring!
🍂 Cycling around on an electric BIXI-Montréal bike share bike on a network of busy separated cycling facilities surrounded by beautiful fall colours. Wow 🤩
📽️ Checking out cycling films, including "The Bike Share Dilemma" and "We are cyclists, the All bodies on Bikes story" as part of the symposium's movie night.
🗣️ Practicing my French in a professional environment. I am proud of myself for how much I understood listening to French presentations and absorbing symposium communications in French, but I am disappointed in how much I struggled to find the words to express myself throughout the event. I've stopped using my French, and it shows. Mais je suis motivé à continuer d'essayer, et mon nouveau livre "Petite histoire du vélo à Montréal" devrait m'y aider.
A huge thank you to Magali Bebronne, Laura Hamant, and the Vélo Québec team for the invitation to participate. I am always impressed and inspired by the work you are doing, and grateful for our ongoing collaborations.
Thank you also to the fabulous Elyse McCann for assisting me with the French translation of my presentation.
📸 Photos are a mix from my camera roll, from Eric Léonard, and by event photographer Nicolas Bourdeau.