Under Nicolae Ceaușescu’s communist rule, even a Romanian-made Pegas was out of reach for most people. Adrian Niculcea had to wait for communism to fall and Western products to flood the market before he could own a bike, a grey racer. His love affair with cycling has continued. Now, at 48, Adrian rides an iGo electric fat bike in the streets of Montreal, no matter the season.

As Montreal grows and changes, a growing number of its residents are advocating for better urban infrastructure, including expanded quality bike lanes, more green spaces and enhanced public transportation. These cries reflect a broader movement calling for a more accessible city that prioritizes the needs of people over motor vehicles — and in doing so, fights the drivers of climate change while adapting to a warmer world.

Since October 2023, Inukjuak has halved its reliance on fossil fuels and aims to eliminate their use for heating and electricity in residential buildings by October 2024.

Montreal is often praised for its green initiatives but people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods often get short shrift when it comes to green spaces.