March 24, 2018 (Montreal, Que.) – As we reported last fall it’s now confirmed that no charges will be laid against the driver of an SUV who struck and killed 18-year-old Montreal cyclist, Clément Ouimet, who was riding on Camillien-Houde just south of the lookout in Mount Royal Park when a 59-year-old driver from California made an illegal U-turn. The provincial Crown’s office in Quebec released a statement on March 21 report CBC and CTV. “Recklessness, simple negligence, or an error of judgment are insufficient for someone to be held criminally responsible,” the statement read.

But Vélo Quebec is outraged claiming that ruling condones illegal manoeuvres by motorists endangering cyclists and all road users. Camillien-Houde is part of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal WordTour course and is also a popular training route for local riders. The incident sparked concern over road safety in the area resulting in the city of Montreal initiating a plan to ban vehicles from a section of Mount Royal. More than 27,000 signed a petition opposing the ban yet it’s set to run from June 1 to Oct. 31.

Ouimet was a junior racer and a “rising star” riding for the PACK and Espoirs Élite Primeau cycling club in Laval including racing in the Tour de L’Abitibi. Ouimet distinguished himself with a 58th place in Red Hook Criterium Brooklyn No.10 and a 5th place in the IBike Crit. His tragic death was honoured with a memorial ride and Ghost Bike Ceremony.

CBC report here.
CTV report here.
Pedal’s initial No Criminal Charges report here,