The Official Opposition at Montreal City Hall is calling for a subsidy program to help low-income families buy bicycle helmets.
The party says it hopes to ensure young people’s safety since cycling has become more popular among three to 17-year-olds.
According to Ensemble Montréal, cycling participation rates have increased from 78 to 83 per cent between 2015 and 2020.
“It is important that all young people have an equal opportunity to be able to ride a bike, with adequate protection in the event of falls or collisions,” said Official Opposition spokesperson Alba Zuniga Ramos. “The cost of purchasing a helmet, combined with that of a bike, sometimes forces families to make heartbreaking choices. The subsidy requested by Ensemble Montréal meets a real need, in addition to helping reduce inequalities.”
Data from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) reports that lower-income families have 50 per cent less access to a helmet compared to those with a higher income.
The party points out that in Saint-Laurent, they offer a subsidy to buy bicycles and accessories but their funds for 2024 have already been used up.
Additionally, Ensemble Montréal wants to deploy a long-term awareness campaign on the importance of wearing a helmet.
According to data from the INSPQ, head injuries contributed to 60 per cent of deaths related to a transport incident among cyclists between 2010 and 2019 in Quebec.
The Official Opposition noted that Projet Montréal had promised similar subsidies for cycling, but they say they have yet to see any progress.