William Crooks

Marie-Claude Bibeau speaks at a Sept. 26 press conference in Lennoxville, where she outlined her commitments on safe and sustainable mobility and addressed concerns about the borough’s bike path project

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Independent candidate for mayor of Sherbrooke, Marie-Claude Bibeau, used a press conference in Lennoxville on Sept. 26 to announce her commitments on safe and sustainable mobility, with a strong focus on the controversial bike path project in the borough.

Speaking at Square Queen, Bibeau said active mobility is essential but must be developed responsibly. “It is now important for a municipality like Sherbrooke to offer adequate and safe infrastructure for cyclists, not only for leisure, but also for utility travel,” she said. However, she stressed that some recently implemented projects have created “non-negligible collateral and negative impacts.”

Bibeau acknowledged frustrations voiced by residents and business owners in Lennoxville and other parts of the city. “I must admit that the level of frustration of a very, very large number of citizens, businesses and community organizations that I have met in the spring about cyclists is extremely worrying.”

She pledged to take a different approach if elected. “Consultation to me means coming to the group that are maybe impacted, not only those who are interested, early in the project, to really listen to you, not come to you at the end when the decision has been made,” she explained. She underlined the role of Lennoxville’s three borough councillors, saying they should engage residents at the start of the process and consider multiple options before decisions are finalized.

Asked directly whether the bike path project in Lennoxville could be cancelled, Bibeau left the door open. “At the end of the day, it will be a City Council decision. But my commitment is to reconsider the decision very seriously.” She added that projects without social acceptability would not go ahead: “This project will not move forward until we have found an acceptable option for the local community.”

While committing to a review of problematic sections, Bibeau also affirmed support for expanding the cycling network where appropriate. “I am in favour of the network of cycling, recreational and utility routes, but we just have to do things well, in respect of all users.”

Her press release emphasized that bicycle infrastructure remains an asset for Sherbrooke, but adjustments must be made responsibly. “I am therefore committed to reviewing the sections of the cycling network that pose problems of social acceptability, technical challenges or safety concerns, such as here in Lennoxville.”

The Lennoxville bike path project has been a flashpoint in recent months, with local residents raising concerns about consultation and safety. Bibeau said her candidacy is built on evidence-based and transparent decision-making. “We must get out of ideological postures and make decisions that take into account the preoccupations of the entire population.”