If cycling is popular in Trois-Rivières, it is largely thanks to the passionate people behind the organization La Cyclerie.
This nonprofit works on all fronts to spark enthusiasm for two wheels in the Mauricie region. Its scope is broad: sustainable mobility, active transportation, recreational cycling, mechanical workshops, cycling education, awareness campaigns, and more.
Claude Ferron
The organization relies on a team of four full-time staff members and the involvement of more than 70 volunteers. Everyone brings their own specialty and area of interest.
The adventure began a few years ago when Claude Ferron, then a city councillor, decided to take his passion for cycling further. Along with Mariannick Mercure, he helped create the organization.
“I’ve always loved cycling. I try to get around by bike as much as possible, even in winter. With Mariannick, we wanted this mode of transportation to have a greater impact in the community and become stronger,” explains Ferron, who serves as coordinator for administration and mechanical services.
In 2022, the nonprofit La Cyclerie was officially founded and moved into a small space at the Cégep de Trois-Rivières.
“Various projects were launched. We were able to advance the cause of cycling in Trois-Rivières,” Ferron recalls. “We consulted other cycling organizations and were very well received. In this field, knowledge and experience are shared.”
Help for mechanics or maintenance.
“We also launched the Vélo Fête. This June 13 will mark its third edition.”
A major strength of La Cyclerie lies in the involvement of dozens of volunteers who are passionate about cycling in different ways, Ferron adds. Each contributes according to their interests.
“We are multi-faceted. Some focus on education, others on bike mechanics or maintenance.”
“For others, it’s about environmental issues and the fight against climate change. We see that cycling makes a difference in society. It helps many people who need transportation.”
Education also plays a major role, both for children taking their first pedal strokes and for newcomers who have never ridden a bike before.
For children aged 6 to 12, there is the CycloDécouverte program.
The Toutes à vélo program encourages women to use cycling as a sustainable, affordable form of transportation that also promotes healthy lifestyles.
CycloMini is aimed at children aged 2 to 10. It is a mobile educational course designed to introduce toddlers to cycling safety in a fun and engaging way.
For children aged 6 to 12 (who can already ride without training wheels), there is the CycloDécouverte program.
In small groups of 12 participants, they learn to ride safely and independently. Lessons include traffic signs, turning, right-of-way rules, and respect for other road users. Activities are adapted to the age and skill level of the children.
Cycling tourism is also encouraged.
Cycling tourism is also encouraged, Ferron notes. At the beginning of May, a group of cyclists took part in a bike-camping trip to Parc de la rivière Batiscan, about 40 kilometres from Trois-Rivières.
“Cycling tourism is travelling at a different speed. It’s seeing the world from a different angle,” he summarizes.
Finally, Ferron dreams of establishing a “Maison du vélo” (Bike House) in downtown Trois-Rivières. He envisions it as a gathering place and a hub for visitors exploring the region by bike.
If this project comes to life, La Cyclerie would become more than just a cycling promotion organization—it would be a true community hub helping to grow cycling culture in Trois-Rivières.