A sharp rise in cycling across Quebec is reshaping how residents move through cities and towns, pointing to a broader shift in urban transportation habits. What was once seen largely as a recreational activity is increasingly becoming a practical, everyday mode of travel—mirroring trends observed in several Canadian cities.
A Rapid Increase in Everyday Cycling
More than 2.7 million people in Quebec used a bicycle for transportation in 2025, according to a new report from Vélo Québec. That figure has more than tripled since the mid-1990s.
Overall participation is even higher. Roughly 4.5 million Quebecers cycled last year, suggesting widespread adoption across demographics, trip purposes, and regions.
The report highlights a clear shift: cycling is no longer viewed as a leisure activity but as “an integral part of mobility habits” across the province.
Urban Growth Driven by Infrastructure
The transformation is especially visible in major urban centres like Montreal and Quebec City. In both cities, the share of trips made by bike has increased by more than 50 per cent over the past five years.
In central Montreal, nearly eight per cent of all trips are now taken by bicycle—placing it among North America’s leading cycling cities, alongside places like Vancouver.
This growth is closely tied to sustained investment in infrastructure. Since 1995, Quebec has expanded its cycling network fivefold, reaching more than 11,500 kilometres. Nearly 5,000 kilometres of these routes are physically separated from vehicle traffic, a key factor in improving safety and encouraging ridership.
Recent initiatives, such as Montreal’s express bike network, have further accelerated progress by creating dedicated, high-capacity corridors that offer a viable alternative to driving.
Infrastructure as the Key Driver
The findings reinforce a widely observed trend: build safe cycling infrastructure, and usage increases.
“The data are unequivocal: infrastructure directly influences usage,” the report notes.
This pattern is not unique to Quebec. Cities across North America—including Toronto and Vancouver—have seen similar increases in cycling following the introduction of protected bike lanes. Quebec’s experience underscores that demand for cycling is not fixed but responds quickly to supportive conditions.
Cycling as a Complement, Not a Replacement
Despite the surge, cycling is not replacing car use entirely. The report indicates that 93 per cent of Quebec cyclists hold a driver’s licence, and 87 per cent own a vehicle.
Instead, cycling is emerging as a complementary mode of transportation, particularly for shorter urban trips. Nearly 40 per cent of workers in the province live within five kilometres of their workplace—a distance well suited to cycling.
This aligns with broader Canadian transportation trends, where short-distance commuting presents a key opportunity to reduce congestion and emissions.
Technology Expands Accessibility
New technologies are also playing a role in making cycling more accessible.
Electric-assist bicycles now account for nearly one in three bike sales in Quebec. These bikes help riders manage longer distances, hills, and time constraints—factors that often deter traditional cycling.
Cargo bikes are also gaining popularity, offering practical solutions for families and small businesses. Together, these innovations are expanding who cycles and how bicycles are used.
Economic Benefits and Regional Impact
Beyond transportation, cycling is contributing significantly to Quebec’s economy.
Spending on bicycles, equipment, and related services generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Bicycle tourism alone contributes more than $800 million to the provincial economy, supporting local businesses and communities.
In smaller towns and rural regions, cycling tourism has become an important driver of economic development—similar to what has been observed in parts of Atlantic Canada and British Columbia.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the progress, gaps remain.
Cycling participation is not evenly distributed. Men continue to make up a larger share of riders than women, pointing to ongoing concerns around safety and accessibility.
Youth participation, while still relatively high, is declining in frequency—reflecting broader concerns about physical activity levels among younger Canadians.
Infrastructure expansion can also be politically contentious. In cities like Montreal, debates over road space allocation, safety, and design continue as cycling networks grow.
A Model for Canadian Cities
For cities across Canada facing congestion, climate targets, and quality-of-life challenges, Quebec offers a clear example of what sustained investment can achieve.
The combination of infrastructure, supportive policy, and cultural acceptance has created a positive feedback loop—encouraging more people to cycle and reinforcing demand for better facilities.
As urban centres look for practical, low-emission transportation solutions, Quebec’s experience suggests a straightforward approach: build safe, connected cycling networks, and people will use them.
