April 2, 2008 (Montreal, QC) — Quebec’s 4,300km Route Verte network of bike paths and bike routes recently won two prestigious honours, including being ranked as the top bike route in the world in a recent book from the US-based National Geographic Society. The other honour was the Ulysse prize (in the outdoor and recreational activities category) at Wednesday night’s Quebec Tourism in Montreal. The Route Verte is an initiative of the Montreal-based Velo Quebec Association, a non-profit society that works to promote bicycling.

“We are more than pleased with these two honours which come as just reward for years of hard effort. They encourage us to continue the completion of the Route Verte and to ensure its upkeep so that everyone can profit to the fullest from this marvellous bike route that traverses the province of Quebec,” declared Jean-François Pronovost, the general director of Velo Quebec Association in a press release.

Work on the Route Verte dates back to 1995. Velo Quebec has worked on this project with the cooperation of Quebec’s provincial government–most notably the Transport Department””and with regional partners. The official inauguration of the network took place in August, 2007.

National Geographic’s book, Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips ranked the Route Verte as the best of the top ten bike routes worldwide, ahead of routes in Australia, the USA, Italy, Chile and China reports Velo Quebec. According to the description posted on Amazon.com, the hardcover book features, “22 fun Top 10 lists in all sorts of categories. What are the world’s top 10 elevator rides, bridges to walk across, trolley rides, ancient highways, or underground walking adventures? Readers will love evaluating and debating the selections. “

“Each chapter showcases stunning photography, full-color maps, evocative text, and expert advice””including how to get there, when to visit, and how to make the most of the journey””all packaged in a luxurious oversize volume to treasure for years to come.”

Journeys of a Lifetime is also listed on the Chapters Indigo (Canadian) website where the retail price is indicated as $50.00, but various discounts reduce that price to as low as $31.35.