Bicycle accident at Gatineau Park: Chelsea mayor explains delays

The bicycle accident that occurred at Gatineau Park on Friday continues to provoke reactions. A man from Cantley fell, and had to wait about an hour and a half before the ambulance arrived.

The boardwalk gates were closed and equipment failure prevented paramedics from opening one of them.

This long waiting period is also reacting to municipalities. In Chelsea, Mayor Pierre Guénard found the incident unfortunate.

This is not what we want, myself as a cyclist, safety is importanthe said in an interview.

Mr. Guénard confirmed that the fire safety service has the tools to open the barriers blocking the road to various lanes in Gatineau Park.

He added that if Chelsea firefighters had to intervene, for a fire or a car accident for example, they would be well equipped and could force their way.

” In case the key doesn’t work, they have tools to break the padlocks and chains to be able to intervene. “

However, the bicycle incident required the intervention of first responders, as Mr. Guénard explained and Chelsea firefighters were not acting as first responders in this case, he said.

They therefore do not have not contacted for this intervention, he concludes. Despite the incident, the municipal mayor reaffirmed his trust in the organization and believes it can find solutions to limit delays.

On the side of the cooperative of Outaouais paramedics, who intervened after the accident, the ambulances were not equipped with such equipment. This explains why the ambulance had to wait a certain time before finally crossing the barrier.

Met on the field on Wednesday, many cyclists said they were still safe at Gatineau Park.

Chantal Parent, head coach of the Vélo Plaisir club, claims to raise awareness throughout her team. Safety is paramounthe insisted.

With information from Fiona Collienne