La Route Verte: The Long Road to Becoming an International Cycle Tourist Destination
Photography: Leanne Ross
Following in the footsteps (or, rather, the tire tracks) of Denmark's national cycle routes, Britain's National Cycle Network, and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in the United States, Québec's Route Verte is the longest bicycle network in North America, covering over 4,000 kilometres and traveling through more than 320 municipalities. This vast cycle network is a combination of roadway routes and bike paths, and is now ranked among the world's leading bikeways.
Members of Vélo Québec initially conceived of the Route Verte in the 1980s when discussing their long-term vision for cycling in Québec. Vélo Québec presented its idea for cycling corridors in the province at the Conférence Vélo Mondiale in 1992. The government partnered with Vélo Québec to collaborate in the development and construction of the route. The Route Verte was officially launched in 1995
Transports Québec provided $88.5 million in funding for the route, covering 25 percent of the costs; local and regional agencies covered the remainder. Going forward, maintenance costs will be shared equally by the province and its regional partners, with Transports Québec matching every dollar invested by regional municipalities.
The development of the Route Verte involved almost a thousand different organizations and was more than 12 years in the making. It celebrated its official inauguration and ribbon cutting ceremony on August 10, 2007.
The route covers a vast range of terrain and provides cyclists with their choice of an expansive network of trails. From national parks with shaded forests to farmland, or from the gentle floodplains of the St. Lawrence River to the sheer cliff faces outside of Québec City, the route offers something for every age and fitness level. The route also provides cyclists with ample opportunities to fully experience Québec's rich culture in both its quaint villages and bustling cities.
The Route is comprised of main roads, designated roadways, and off-road bike paths. Main roads have a paved shoulder that is at least one metre wide, making it comfortable and safe for group rides. Designated roadways are secondary or rural roadways with lighter traffic (under 2,000 vehicles per day) that are officially recognized for bicycle use. Off-road bike paths - usually paved over old railway tracks - are shared with other users, often hikers.
All trails are clearly marked by standardized signs that adhere to Transports Québec's strict guidelines. These signs are easy to identify and are often accompanied by tourist information regarding local attractions. Vélo Québec's La Route Verte Guide is comprehensive and up-to-date, providing detailed maps, accommodation listings, information regarding rest stops, available food and drinking water; it even notes climbs steeper than a 5 per cent grade.
Perhaps the route's most pleasant surprises are to be found on its secondary roadways, which amble through the quiet villages of rural Québec and give cyclists the opportunity to experience a side of this province not readily available to the average tourist. Taking the road less traveled gives cyclists an opportunity to immerse themselves in Québec's culture; from indulging in poutine and drinking songs in local pubs to sampling the specialty cheeses and wines of the region.
The route also runs through the busy streets of Montréal and Québec City, but cyclists can relax in clearly marked bike lanes or by taking their bikes on designated transit lines. If visiting Montréal, be sure to check out the Maison des cyclistes, Vélo Québec's headquarters and cyclists' haven, which boasts a boutique with gifts, tools, maps and guides, as well as a café with fresh coffee and daily specials.
Cyclists on the route have the option of choosing accommodations that are certified by Vélo Québec's "Bienvenue cyclistes!" program. In order to be certified, establishments must meet specific criteria that were created with cyclists' needs in mind. Certification is available to hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and campgrounds, offering a wide range of price points. Whether you want to spend the night in a deluxe bed and breakfast with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence or prefer to spend a quiet night tenting on the banks of the river instead, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
At certified hotels, bed and breakfasts and hostels, you can expect to have secure bicycle storage, a pump and other tools for making minor repairs, and information about local bicycle repair and rental centres. If meals are provided, cyclists are loaded with carbs and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Certified campgrounds offer cyclists a camping space regardless of whether they've made a reservation, a sheltered location for eating, as well as a pump and tools and the same information about local bicycle rental and repairs shops.
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Published in Momentum No. 34
The "Travel Issue" features cycling destinations and trips from across Canada and the world. In the issue we travel to the Big Apple to interview tough and hardy New York, as well as look at cycle touring the in Quebec, Canada and Tokyo, Japan.
