An experienced cyclist who suffered a triple fracture of the pelvis after falling on the “slippery as an ice rink” surface of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge route has been forced to stop work for three months. She plans to sue the federal company responsible for maintaining this structure where more than 500,000 pedestrians and cyclists pass each year.
Véronique Soumis, aged 45, has suffered from severe pain since she suffered this fall on Saturday 2 November. That day, anyway half a dozen cyclists he fell while driving on a waterproof product that was spread on the road in preparation for the winter season.
“Cycling is my whole life. I have to start from the beginning because of my injury,” she said, talking to her parents, where she will stay while she gets back on her feet.
Véronique Soumis drove 10,000 kilometers this year. She planned to participate in the Race Across Québec event in August 2025, which aims to cover 500 kilometers in less than 40 hours, in the Lanaudière region. She asks if she can be a part of it.
Can’t work
She moves with difficulty after being in hospital for 11 days. Her companion, who also fell on the path of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge that day, suffered a simple scratch. This computer programming worker in a hospital environment explains that she cannot work, even online, due to physical limitations. She takes pain medication which prevents her from concentrating.
The cyclist argues that the company Les Ponts Jacques Cartier et Champlain Incorporée (PJCCI) was negligent in reopening the route on Saturday afternoon, in the hours after the extremely slippery result to apply. She and other cyclists fell at around 12:40pm, just over half an hour after the bridge opened.
The cycle lane was closed again shortly before 3pm, after several cyclists fell. He was inaccessible for six days, until the following Friday. Asked about the fall of cyclists, including Véronique Soumis, after the distribution of the waterproof product, the company PJCCI said that “the situation is still being investigated. Therefore we cannot comment. »
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2024-11-22 06:31:00
#break #months #work #fall #bike
What are the biggest takeaways Véronique hopes others will learn from her experience regarding cyclist safety and infrastructure accountability?
This is a powerful story with potential for a compelling interview. Here are some open-ended questions you could ask Véronique Soumis, divided into thematic sections:
**Section 1: The Accident and its Impact**
* Can you describe the moment you fell on the bridge? What was going through your mind?
* How has this injury changed your daily life? What are some of the biggest challenges you’re facing?
* You mentioned cycling is your whole life. How has this accident impacted your sense of identity and your future goals?
**Section 2: Responsibility and Accountability**
* What do you think PJCCI could have done differently to prevent this accident?
* Do you believe their response to the situation, including their initial reopening of the bridge and their subsequent statement, was adequate? Why or why not?
* Do you think this incident raises larger questions about the responsibility of infrastructure providers to maintain safe conditions for cyclists?
**Section 3: Moving Forward – Legal Action and Personal Recovery**
* Why have you decided to sue PJCCI? What are your hopes for the outcome of the lawsuit?
* What kind of support system are you relying on during this difficult time?
* How are you staying motivated and positive as you work towards recovery?
* What message do you hope to send to other cyclists and infrastructure providers through your experience?
**Encouraging Discussion and Different Viewpoints:**
* You can also incorporate questions that invite broader discussion by considering different perspectives:
* Do you think there are inherent risks associated with cycling in urban environments, even with proper infrastructure?
* Are there precautions cyclists can take to minimize these risks, and if so, what are they?
* How can we balance the needs of various road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists, in shared spaces like the Jacques-Cartier Bridge?
Remember to approach the interview with empathy and sensitivity, recognizing the pain and frustration Véronique Soumis may be experiencing. By asking thoughtful and open-ended questions, you can create a space for her to share her story fully and stimulate a meaningful conversation about important issues related to cyclist safety and infrastructure responsibility.
