The family of an 11-year-old boy who tragically lost his life while riding his bicycle in Quebec City’s Beauport borough has decided to cancel their plans to set up a ghost bike in his memory this weekend due to receiving hurtful messages.
The father of the late 11-year-old, Alex Côté, made the announcement about the cancellation. He mentioned that although he did not disclose the nature of the messages directed at them, he conveyed the decision to withdraw from placing the ghost bike through a Facebook post just before the scheduled event.
Dominic Côté expressed the family’s desire for the memorial to be a positive and respectful gathering, steering clear of any divisive elements. The original intention behind the proposed ghost bike was to spread awareness about the risks of cycling in the area while paying tribute to their son with love.
Collaborating with “Souliers et vélos fantômes Québec,” a group that assists families in creating bike memorials like the “vélo fantôme” to mark locations of fatal accidents with a white bike, the event planning was in progress. However, the family has decided to postpone the memorial and will choose an appropriate time in the future.
The unfortunate incident involving Alex occurred during the summer near the intersection of des Sablonnières Avenue and Raymond Boulevard. Following the tragic event, first responders found the young cyclist in cardiac arrest and rushed him to the hospital, where he later passed away.
The passing of Alex has reignited calls from parents and road safety advocates for enhanced safety measures in residential areas frequented by children for walking and cycling. Mathieu Murphy-Perron, a member of “Souliers et vélos fantômes Québec,” who has been in contact with the Côté family, witnessed some of the offensive comments directed at them.
Addressing concerns raised about the ghost bike’s safety implications and proximity to traffic, Murphy-Perron dismissed them as unfounded based on past experiences in Montreal where similar memorials have not posed such risks. Additionally, misconceptions arose regarding the installation of speed bumps at the accident site, which were planned before the tragic incident and not in response to it.
Expressing dismay over the hateful messages received by the grieving family, Murphy-Perron highlighted the unprecedented level of negativity faced by loved ones of the deceased in his 13 years of supporting bereaved families.
Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand expressed his deep dismay over the situation, emphasizing the need for compassion over insults. He extended his support to the family and reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of children and residents in the city.
City councillor Mélanie Sauvé, who has been in regular contact with the Côté family since the incident, emphasized the importance of fostering harmonious coexistence among residents. The cancellation of the ghost bike installation prompted Mayor Marchand to address the disrespectful behavior of some residents and drivers, stressing the need for empathy and understanding in such circumstances.
Local resident Manon Carignan, a mother of two living near the accident site, stressed the importance of respecting the grieving process of parents. She pointed out the longstanding demand for safety improvements on des Sablonnières Avenue to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists effectively, particularly given the area’s proximity to schools and parks.
In light of the distressing turn of events, the family has chosen to delay the memorial, prioritizing a future moment for a fitting tribute to their beloved son.
