Pour une reconnaissance publique de Robert Silverman / Bicycle Bob's Legacy Recognition

We largely have Robert "Bicycle Bob" Silverman to thank that today Montreal is ranked the best city in North America for bicycling. There were basically no bike facilities here in 1975 when Silverman co-founded the bike advocacy group, Le Monde à Bicyclette. Nor were local authorities receptive to improving things.
When bridge and metro authorities refused to let cyclists cross the St. Lawrence River, Silverman called a press conference and came dressed as Moses, asking the Almighty to part the river waters. This stunt earned him front section coverage in major daily newspapers, helping to sway public opinion in favour of bicyclists’ rights. Opening bridges and the metro to cyclists were among Silverman´s many successes over decades of work. He also went to jail for “illegally” painting some of the first bike lanes in Montreal, a city that now boasts almost 1,000km of bike lanes and paths.
Silverman was involved in much more than just urban cycling. As one example, he helped organize some of the first outdoor volleyball courts in Montreal, promoting a cooperative and inclusive sport. Like bicycling, outdoor volleyball has now grown popular.
Silverman gave much to Montreal, yet lived precariously for many years without much money. Now, it is time for Montreal to return the favour and publicly recognize the life work of this great man.

We largely have Robert "Bicycle Bob" Silverman to thank that today Montreal is ranked the best city in North America for bicycling. There were basically no bike facilities here in 1975 when Silverman co-founded the bike advocacy group, Le Monde à Bicyclette. Nor were local authorities receptive to improving things.
When bridge and metro authorities refused to let cyclists cross the St. Lawrence River, Silverman called a press conference and came dressed as Moses, asking the Almighty to part the river waters. This stunt earned him front section coverage in major daily newspapers, helping to sway public opinion in favour of bicyclists’ rights. Opening bridges and the metro to cyclists were among Silverman´s many successes over decades of work. He also went to jail for “illegally” painting some of the first bike lanes in Montreal, a city that now boasts almost 1,000km of bike lanes and paths.
Silverman was involved in much more than just urban cycling. As one example, he helped organize some of the first outdoor volleyball courts in Montreal, promoting a cooperative and inclusive sport. Like bicycling, outdoor volleyball has now grown popular.
Silverman gave much to Montreal, yet lived precariously for many years without much money. Now, it is time for Montreal to return the favour and publicly recognize the life work of this great man.