Gearing up for Quebec

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by Naomi Bloch

Not content to be lost in the throng at the Summit of the Americas, the Bikesheviks Vélorutionnaires started pushing pedals and politics last Friday, touring the streets of Montreal and talking to passers-by about the Free Trade Area of the Americas. "We're trying to show that the process is not transparent--not democratic--and that people should try to find out more and get involved," explains spokesperson Dave Bernans.

Last week's action was just a warm-up for the group of around 15 activists. From April 16-19, Bikesheviks from as far away as Vancouver and Boston will caravan from Montreal to Quebec City on Highway 138. Along the way they'll hand out fake copies of the FTAA with the text blacked out. They'll encourage those they meet to carefully review the text. Ballots will be passed out and people will be urged to vote on whether they approve of the agreement. The ballot will have a choice of "Yes," "Oui," "Si," and "Sim"-- "yes" in the four official languages of the Americas. "We're going to try to interact with the local population as much as possible along the highway and in Quebec City," says Bernans.

Though food for their tour is being donated by Concordia's Frigo-Vert, the troupe is still looking for shelter during their four days on the road. Anyone with accommodation to offer en route can call 848-7585 or e-mail rtm@pirg.ca, where your helping hand will be honourably received.