Next ride: September 26, 2008

The name Claire Morissette may not be instantly recognizable to many people, but her life's work has had a positive impact on countless Montrealers. During her 25 years at the helm of le Monde à Bicyclette, she fought and won many of the things cyclists today take for granted: our network of bike paths, the right to take bicycles on the Metro, access to the city's bridges, among many others. She was responsible for establishing Communauto in Montreal, the city's largest (and ever-growing) car-sharing program. She was also the heart and soul of Cyclo Nord-Sud, an organisation that works to send refurbished bicycles to communities in the developing world. The list goes on.

Claire passed away last Friday at the age of 57, after a long battle with cancer. She leaves behind a powerful legacy, a legacy that's borne in some small part by everyone who had the privilege to meet her and be inspired by her work.

It seems only fitting that this Friday's Mass be dedicated to the memory of this extraordinary woman. Not as a funeral procession, but the celebration of life lived in service of our city, our planet, and a strong belief in the need to act.

The theme will be white: white clothes, white flags, and white angel wings. The ride will conclude in front of Claire's former residence on de l'Esplanade, with the dedication of a white bicycle in the grand tradition.

Happy trails.