As Canada’s motorcycling season gets underway, the Fédération Motocycliste du Québec (FMQ) is revving up with a powerful new initiative aimed at saving lives and promoting safer roads. With the launch of its 2025 campaign, “Ride with Joy: Sober Mind!”, the FMQ puts the spotlight squarely on one of the most pressing safety issues facing riders today: impaired driving.
A Culture of Safety—Not Just Speed
Backed by Transport Canada, this campaign is more than just a slogan. It’s a province-wide call to action to address the disproportionate impact of impaired riding, especially in Québec—the only Canadian province where motorcyclists can legally ride with a blood alcohol content of 0.08. In contrast, most of the rest of Canada enforces a stricter limit of 0.05 or lower.
FMQ’s campaign raises a vital question: Should Québec follow suit and adopt a lower alcohol limit for motorcyclists? With the goal of measuring public perception on this issue, the campaign includes surveys and outreach designed to gauge rider attitudes and promote change.
The Deadly Cost of Impairment
The statistics are sobering:
- Motorcyclists account for five times more fatalities and six times higher medical costs than car drivers in collisions.
- 25% of road deaths and 15% of serious injuries are linked to alcohol use.
- 22% of cannabis users in Canada admit to driving within two hours of consumption.
In a sport that demands sharp reflexes, flawless coordination, and crystal-clear judgment, even a small impairment can mean the difference between a thrilling ride and a tragedy.
Education on the Front Lines
The FMQ is taking a multi-channel approach to awareness:
- Interactive kiosks at major events like ExpoMoto Québec and the Montreal Motorcycle Show.
- Partnerships with motorcycle media for in-depth articles and interviews.
- Testimonial videos and vox pops from real riders.
- Surveys to gather insights and support policy shifts.
This blend of education, engagement, and advocacy is designed to resonate deeply with all motorcyclists—new and experienced alike.
Moto Pro FMQ: Training for the Real World
The campaign also ties into Moto Pro FMQ, FMQ’s advanced rider training initiative. More than just technical skill, the course emphasizes the responsibility of sobriety as a core element of safe riding.
As instructor Robert Brochu puts it, “Choosing sobriety is not a constraint but an act of respect for oneself and others.”
A Call to the MCC Community
At the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada, we applaud the FMQ’s leadership and commitment to rider safety. This campaign is a reminder that freedom on two wheels must go hand in hand with responsibility.
We encourage motorcyclists across Canada to embrace the spirit of this initiative:
- Choose to ride sober.
- Educate your peers.
- Support policies that protect all road users.
Together, we can ensure that the joy of motorcycling is always paired with the safety of a sober mind.
Join the Movement
Learn more about the campaign and upcoming events at plaisiramoto.com. And mark your calendars for the FMQ Weekend Event, June 27–30, 2025, in Rivière-du-Loup—a celebration of riding, community, and safety.