Sainte-Thérèse

Maria Diamantis, LJI journalist

As electric scooters and other motorized personal transportation devices (MPTDs) become more common across Quebec, the cities of Rosemère, Lorraine, Sainte-Thérèse, and Boisbriand, along with the Thérèse-De Blainville Intermunicipal Police Board (RIPTB), have renewed their commitment to promoting road safety. Building on the success of last year’s initiative, the campaign continues to emphasize the importance of responsible behavior for electric scooter users, highlighting safe practices that ensure smooth and harmonious cohabitation on the roads.

The ongoing campaign comes at a crucial time, as MPTD usage continues to rise among residents. The municipalities aim to send a unified message that focuses on prudence, safety, and respect for road-sharing among all users. This cooperative effort ensures that all four cities are spreading the same important reminders, reinforcing the message of responsible road use.

The campaign continues to focus on young users, especially those between 14 and 34 years old. The key messages remain vital: always wear a helmet, respect the 25 km/h speed limit, and ride on the side of the road rather than on sidewalks. These guidelines, while simple, play a critical role in reducing accidents and promoting safe interaction between different modes of transportation. Beyond targeting specific scooter behaviors, the initiative underscores the need for all road users—whether they are cyclists, pedestrians, or drivers—to contribute to the responsible and courteous sharing of public space.

Christian Charron, mayor of Sainte-Thérèse and president of the RIPTB administrative committee, reaffirmed the campaign’s importance in 2024: “As more people turn to alternative forms of transportation, it’s more essential than ever to maintain mutual respect on our roads. The quality of life in our towns depends on everyone accepting their role in keeping the streets safe. This campaign remains a key tool in raising awareness and ensuring that safety crosses city borders.”

Updated Regulations for MPTDs in Quebec

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility’s pilot project, launched in 2023, continues to regulate MPTD use, including electric scooters, across the province. This has led to changes in local policing strategies, with enforcement and educational efforts now a routine part of ensuring compliance.

“As the popularity of electric scooters grows, so does the need for clear rules and responsible behavior,” said Karine Desaulniers, Inspector of Operations Support at the RIPTB. “Our officers are on the ground, providing education and enforcement to ensure that everyone understands the regulations. It’s about keeping our streets safe for everyone, from scooter riders to pedestrians.”

The increased adoption of MPTDs has underscored the necessity of ongoing public education and enforcement. This year, the collaboration between the cities and the RIPTB remains strong, with a renewed focus on preventing unsafe behaviors and ensuring that residents of Rosemère, Lorraine, Sainte-Thérèse, and Boisbriand respect the latest regulations.

With electric scooters showing no signs of losing popularity, this extended campaign continues to adapt to the changing transportation landscape, promoting a safer, more harmonious road environment for all residents.