Argon 18 to attend launch of new Community Bike Garage

Montreal-based bicycle manufacturer Argon 18 was on site to help promote the launch of a new community bike garage at the Maison de Santé Prévention – Approche 180, a clinic specialized in the prevention and management of obesity and related illnesses.

“We are proud to support the launch of the bike garage. This initiative fits closely with our company values and is in keeping with our desire to promote cycling as a sport to help foster an active lifestyle,” said Alain Pelletier, Vice-President Marketing at Argon 18.

Located on the clinic’s premises in the heart of Montreal’s plateau neighbourhood, close to the proposed 184-km Réseau Express Vélo (REV) cycling path network, the new bike garage is meant to contribute to promoting an active lifestyle, serving as a gathering point for youth to get their bikes repaired or to attend urban health workshops planned in partnership with Maison de Santé Prévention – Approche 180’s team of healthcare professionals.

“We are thrilled that Argon 18 is attending the launch of our new bike garage,” said Dr. Julie St-Pierre, Director of the Maison de Santé Prévention – Approche 180.

The mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, Luc Rabourin, is also delighted with this new establishment. “I am not aware of this type of community bicycle garage in Montreal, whereas it is quite common in Europe. This is a first. Bravo for the initiative,” he said.

Argon 18’s involvement in the launch of the bike garage aligns with its previous activities in support of local communities. Earlier this year, Argon 18 staff took part in the Gran Fondo, an annual indoor cycling challenge to raise money for Opération Enfant Soleil, a non-profit organization that raises funds to develop high-quality paediatrics for all children in Quebec, Argon 18’s home province.

Argon 18-sponsored Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first and only all-diabetes pro cycling team, was also on site to help celebrate the launch of the bike garage.

“Like Argon 18, Team Novo Nordisk is always looking for ways to support local community initiatives,” said TNN Pro rider Logan Phippen. “We want to help show what’s possible when someone is living with a condition from a young age, especially when they had no choice in the matter – whether it’s type 1 diabetes like in our case or another chronic condition like obesity.”

“A chronic illness should not limit one’s ability to thrive in any area of life,” added Dr. St-Pierre. “The TNN athletes are a tremendous source of inspiration for our younger patients who are just learning to manage illnesses that they did not choose to be affected by.”

In addition to the bike garage launch, Argon 18 and Team Novo Nordisk will host a meet-and-greet event for local patient organizations and families on Wednesday, September 7.

Header image: From left to right: Jacques Nacuzzi, engaged citizen in active transportation, Benoit Tousignant, Senior Manager – External Affairs, Novo Nordisk, Marie Plourde, Deputy Mayor, City of Montreal, Quentin Valognes, Former Rider and Ambassador, Team Novo Nordisk, Logan Phippen, Pro Rider, Team Novo Nordisk, Dr. Julie St-Pierre, Director, Maison de Santé Prévention – Approche 180, Alain Pelletier, Vice-President – Marketing, Argon 18, Pierre Prévost, president, Réseau d’action en santé cardiovasculaire (RASC), Ghislain Grandisson, Canadian Tire Association of Greater Montreal, Pierre Hutsebaut, high-level cycling coach, Maude Sirois, Director of Operations, Réseau d’action en santé cardiovasculaire (RASC) and Clinical Nurse and Associate, Maison de Santé Prévention – Approche 180. (CNW Group/Argon 18)