Cyclists star in Vancouver counter-protest and Canada loves it

Is there anything bicycles can’t do to make cities safer and more peaceful for all? Apparently not, as proven yesterday when a group of cyclists used their two-wheeled might to stop a large convoy of truckers attempted to unleash its horny fury on the city.

Eventually, the truckers made their loud and unruly way into downtown Vancouver. But it wasn’t easy.

The route that was blocked would have taken the protestors past several Vancouver hospitals so they could disrupt and impact those seeking health care and the workers providing it.

The protestors reportedly claim to be against vaccine mandates in solidarity with the so-called “freedom convoy,” currently disrupting the city of Ottawa.

According to a report from Vancouver Police, counter-protesters blocked the convoy on Terminal Avenue, a long stretch of road without any side streets, or escape routes, so all westbound traffic ground to a complete halt thanks to the work of a small cadre of cyclists who moved quickly and efficiently through the city. Sound familiar?

Needless to say, many on social media were enamored with the effectiveness of the simple bicycle protest.

Yesterday’s action by cyclists wasn’t the first. A week prior, Vancouver’s Tyrone Siglos went up against a truck convoy by himself by positioning himself in front of a large dump truck set on joining the protest.

“It was pretty terrifying being in front of a bunch of angry trucks. But seeing the thumbs-ups and nods of encouragement from passersby was all the support I needed,” Siglos wrote, on an Instagram post. “I’ve been a little overwhelmed with the amount of (mostly) positive messages and praise. This was pretty unexpected. I didn’t plan ahead of time to disrupt the convoy. I rolled out the door for work, heard the honking and saw the trucks, and saw an opportunity to stand up for what I believe.”

Siglos told Momentum that he disagrees with the convoy’s messaging and stance as well as their method of protest.

“I’m incredibly proud and grateful to be part of the cycling community here,” he says. “It went from me taking a stand alone last week to dozens of cyclists this weekend on 16 hours notice.”