Cycling the shores of the St. Lawrence River from Niagara Falls to Matane—this is the dream successfully realized by Mario Belley, famously known as the founder of the company Voyager à vélo.
The St. Lawrence by Bike (Le Saint-Laurent à vélo) aims to connect nearly 1,730 kilometers of shoreline, tracing the edges of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario as well as the Great River through Quebec. The long-distance route, which is nearly 90% complete, highlights the attractions, services, and businesses available to the cyclists who use it. “People come from all over the world to explore it,” Belley says proudly.
This large-scale project carries significant value on multiple levels. “It’s my legacy,” he says.
Seeking Ambassadors
Mario Belley is now looking to join forces with other enthusiasts who, like him, are committed to cycling development in both Ontario and Quebec. These individuals will be tasked with forming committees by recruiting people from their own riverside regions. They will essentially become the “sentinels” of the circuit.
“I want to form well-structured committees. I’m looking for ambassadors—people who will truly buy into the vision,” he explains.
“I need about fifteen ambassadors. We will have meetings roughly once a month, and they will meet with their local committees every three months. Since there is some disparity in the quality of the paths, I am looking for people on the ground who can report on what is happening in their area. Like a lookout for river access.”
These participants will be asked, for example, to identify missing cycling services in their territory and work with local authorities, such as municipalities, to rectify the situation.
“Sometimes, a paved shoulder might be missing,” he suggests as an example. “These people could oversee the improvement of that section. It would be up to them to evaluate the route in their region.”
“Deploying these volunteer collaborators will provide a granular knowledge of the territory. This ‘living force’ will ensure the route isn’t just a line on a map, but a high-quality, safe experience supported by local communities.”
Benefits for Communities
Mario Belley predicts that the St. Lawrence by Bike circuit has the potential to become a hallmark of cycling in Quebec and Ontario. He estimates that about 50% of Voyager à vélo‘s clientele already comes from the international popularity of the St. Lawrence route.
He wonders how many historic sites, picturesque villages, and landscapes connected by the path benefit from the spinoffs of such a route. The founder of this non-profit organization also highlights the businesses that stand to gain from the influx of cyclists riding along the water. These travelers stop at bakeries, microbreweries, hotels, repair shops, and more.
“There is certainly an economic impact to such an achievement,” he asserts. “Riverside communities stand to benefit.”
The itinerary follows two major cycling networks: the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Ontario and the Route Verte in Quebec. Both networks are already well-marked and secure. The St. Lawrence by Bike also utilizes low-traffic secondary roads and shared pathways.
See You at the Bike Show
Mario Belley is currently in recruitment mode. He intends to meet future ambassadors at the Montreal Bike Show (Salon du vélo), held from February 20 to 22 at the Palais des congrès. Visitors can learn more by visiting booth number 114.
Interested parties may express their interest by visiting the Bike Show, contacting Mario Belley directly, or emailing info@voyageravelo.com.
Would you like me to draft a recruitment social media post or a formal email based on this text to help find these ambassadors?