Cyclists Honor Robert “Bicycle Bob” Silverman in Montreal Tribute

Cyclists gathered on March 30, 2024, in Montreal to honor the legacy of Robert “Bicycle Bob” Silverman, a prominent cycling activist who significantly contributed to the city’s bike-friendly reputation. Approximately 200 cyclists convened in the Plateau neighborhood, advocating for the naming of the St-Denis bike path as the “Piste cyclable Robert Silverman.” Following their efforts, the City of Montreal announced plans to officially rename the path, as stated in a press release from the collective Vélo fantôme Montréal (VFM).

Silverman, who passed away in late February at the age of 88, founded the advocacy group Le Monde à Bicyclette (MAB) in 1975. Under his leadership, MAB conducted various creative protests aimed at improving Montreal’s cycling infrastructure. These protests were known for their theatricality; participants often engaged in dramatic acts, such as covering themselves in ketchup to depict the aftermath of cycling accidents.

Mathieu Murphy-Perron, a representative of VFM, shared insights about Silverman’s impactful methods. He recounted a memorable incident where Silverman donned a Moses costume, calling for the city to permit cyclists to cross the bridge that connects Montreal to its South Shore. This bold action proved effective, illustrating Silverman’s commitment to cycling advocacy. “He went down by the water and said ‘Open these waters so that we can pass,’” Murphy-Perron remarked.

The VFM emphasized Silverman’s significant contributions to the cycling culture in Montreal, noting that his work is even more relevant in light of the tragic deaths of several cyclists in 2021. “It’s high time we launched a MAB-inspired activist group to continue the poetic-victimization struggle launched by Robert and many others nearly fifty years ago,” stated Lëa-Kim Châteauneuf, a cyclist and spokesperson at the commemoration.

In a fitting tribute to Silverman’s legacy, VFM has organized a bike ride scheduled for April 30, 2024, to further commemorate his contributions and raise awareness about cycling safety in the city. This event aims to honor Silverman’s vision for a safer, more inclusive cycling environment in Montreal, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of cyclists.