Bike commuting is more and more a thing in Quebec City but motorists ain’t going down without a fight.
Our mayor got in this epic argument with a journalist from a trashy radio that was known for their “honk a cyclist” campaign over a specific tax for snow removal in bike lanes.
>
During a recent press conference, a journalist questioned Marchand about Quebec City council’s plans for a voluntary tax for cyclists in the summer and a mandatory tax for cyclists in the winter. The journalist points out that snow removal from bike paths costs six percent of the total snow removal budget, saying that cyclists contribute “zero, or close enough” to this expense.
>You know the drill.
>The response by the Quebec City mayor was brilliant.
>He asked, “And what is the contribution of motorists for snow removal?” The journalist suggests this is not his line of questioning, but Marchand persists, highlighting the flawed premise of the argument by pointing out that both cyclists and motorists pay municipal taxes, which fund services like snow removal.
>“No no no no… I am told that it’s unfair because cyclists don’t pay for snow removal on the bike paths in winter and motorists, how do they pay for snow removal?” he asks.
>“Well, with the property taxes you collect, Mr. Mayor,” the journalist responds.
>And so it begins with the simple acknowledgement that indeed, and of course, cyclists pay property taxes the same as everyone else. But Marchand does not leave it at that.
>“I looked at all the city regulations and I don’t remember reading ‘Cyclists are exempt from paying municipal taxes when they receive their tax account,’” Marchand say. “Cyclists and motorists pay for snow removal. Pedestrians pay for snow removal. How? With their taxes to the council.”
>This inspiring and fact-based response has been hailed by cyclists around the globe as a masterclass in countering misinformation and challenging the societal bias that prioritizes motor vehicle use over other forms of transportation.
>The global cycling community has applauded Marchand’s stand. Online forums and social media have been buzzing with praise, with many cyclists expressing relief and joy at seeing a politician so effectively defend their rights.
Atty_for_hire on
This is a thing of beauty in how to argue with anyone. Straight facts that cannot be argued with by any reasonable, logically person. You’ll always have crazies who will then do into bat shit craziness, and explain why one is better than the other. But those people are lost and not worth arguing with.
efendikaptan on
I haven’t yet, but I’d loves to rides a bicycle in Quebec.
Prudent-Proposal1943 on
Love the Mayor. Can we get him in the rest of the country?
4 Comments
Bike commuting is more and more a thing in Quebec City but motorists ain’t going down without a fight.
Our mayor got in this epic argument with a journalist from a trashy radio that was known for their “honk a cyclist” campaign over a specific tax for snow removal in bike lanes.
>
During a recent press conference, a journalist questioned Marchand about Quebec City council’s plans for a voluntary tax for cyclists in the summer and a mandatory tax for cyclists in the winter. The journalist points out that snow removal from bike paths costs six percent of the total snow removal budget, saying that cyclists contribute “zero, or close enough” to this expense.
>You know the drill.
>The response by the Quebec City mayor was brilliant.
>He asked, “And what is the contribution of motorists for snow removal?” The journalist suggests this is not his line of questioning, but Marchand persists, highlighting the flawed premise of the argument by pointing out that both cyclists and motorists pay municipal taxes, which fund services like snow removal.
>“No no no no… I am told that it’s unfair because cyclists don’t pay for snow removal on the bike paths in winter and motorists, how do they pay for snow removal?” he asks.
>“Well, with the property taxes you collect, Mr. Mayor,” the journalist responds.
>And so it begins with the simple acknowledgement that indeed, and of course, cyclists pay property taxes the same as everyone else. But Marchand does not leave it at that.
>“I looked at all the city regulations and I don’t remember reading ‘Cyclists are exempt from paying municipal taxes when they receive their tax account,’” Marchand say. “Cyclists and motorists pay for snow removal. Pedestrians pay for snow removal. How? With their taxes to the council.”
>This inspiring and fact-based response has been hailed by cyclists around the globe as a masterclass in countering misinformation and challenging the societal bias that prioritizes motor vehicle use over other forms of transportation.
>The global cycling community has applauded Marchand’s stand. Online forums and social media have been buzzing with praise, with many cyclists expressing relief and joy at seeing a politician so effectively defend their rights.
This is a thing of beauty in how to argue with anyone. Straight facts that cannot be argued with by any reasonable, logically person. You’ll always have crazies who will then do into bat shit craziness, and explain why one is better than the other. But those people are lost and not worth arguing with.
I haven’t yet, but I’d loves to rides a bicycle in Quebec.
Love the Mayor. Can we get him in the rest of the country?