Quebec City Mayor Brilliantly Shuts Down Journalist’s Bike Lane Claims

It’s an argument echoed throughout the land by those wishing to shut down the expanding of safe cycling infrastructure. Something akin to cyclists not paying for the roads so why should the city bother paying for and giving space to them? Of course, it’s absolutely false. But, that fact has very rarely been put eloquently as it was the other day by Quebec City mayor Bruno Marchand.

His complete and other rebuke of the claim has inspired cycling advocates around the world who are praising Marchand.

This is definitely worth watching. The kind of fearless push-back to the “we should tax cyclists” false narrative (spoiler: we do tax people on bikes, even through they actually save us public money) that we need a lot more of. https://t.co/nDEtTJvPjv

— Brent Toderian (@BrentToderian) June 15, 2024

During a recent press conference, a journalist questioned Marchand about Quebec City council’s plans for a voluntary tax for cyclists in the summer and a mandatory tax for cyclists in the winter. The journalist points out that snow removal from bike paths costs six percent of the total snow removal budget, saying that cyclists contribute “zero, or close enough” to this expense.

You know the drill.

The response by the Quebec City mayor was brilliant.

He asked, “And what is the contribution of motorists for snow removal?” The journalist suggests this is not his line of questioning, but Marchand persists, highlighting the flawed premise of the argument by pointing out that both cyclists and motorists pay municipal taxes, which fund services like snow removal.

“No no no no… I am told that it’s unfair because cyclists don’t pay for snow removal on the bike paths in winter and motorists, how do they pay for snow removal?” he asks.

“Well, with the property taxes you collect, Mr. Mayor,” the journalist responds.

And so it begins with the simple acknowledgement that indeed, and of course, cyclists pay property taxes the same as everyone else. But Marchand does not leave it at that.

“I looked at all the city regulations and I don’t remember reading ‘Cyclists are exempt from paying municipal taxes when they receive their tax account,’” Marchand say. “Cyclists and motorists pay for snow removal. Pedestrians pay for snow removal. How? With their taxes to the council.”

This inspiring and fact-based response has been hailed by cyclists around the globe as a masterclass in countering misinformation and challenging the societal bias that prioritizes motor vehicle use over other forms of transportation.

The global cycling community has applauded Marchand’s stand. Online forums and social media have been buzzing with praise, with many cyclists expressing relief and joy at seeing a politician so effectively defend their rights.

Journalist: Drivers pay for snow removal. Cyclists don’t.
Mayor of Quebec City: Let me explain why you’re an idiot.#roadswerentbuiltforcars https://t.co/s4q9SVDmEN

— 𝚃𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚜 𝙶𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚎 🚇 (@grescoe) June 16, 2024

Glorious. This is fun to watch.

And yes, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians pay the same tax for snow removal, among other things. So why are roads prioritized over others? https://t.co/ZMMmG8HRiC

— Jennifer Keesmaat (@jen_keesmaat) June 15, 2024

Not surprisingly, Quebec City is pushing forward with a massive expansion of cycling infrastructure with a commitment to add 14 top-notch, all-season cycle routes covering a total of 150 km over the next decade.

“This bold vision will allow us to have a four-season network connecting the entire territory and offering unparalleled opportunities in terms of active mobility,” declared Marchand, when the plan was announced earlier this year. “Thanks to this, we are paving the way for a future where the health, quality of life and safety of citizens will be more than ever at the heart of priorities. Science proves that it is by offering adequate facilities that we allow our citizens to be active and healthy for longer.”

In a time when the narrative around cycling infrastructure and road use is often contentious, the Quebec City mayor’s clear and confident defense of cyclists’ contributions is a breath of fresh air. It not only supports the rights of cyclists but also promotes a more inclusive approach to urban transportation planning.

And, let’s face it, we all had a moment.