Magalie, Communications Officer at Réseau LocoMotion, is on a mission to transform transportation in Quebec. Since joining the organization in 2018, when it was still a fledgling pilot project, she has been helping LocoMotion empower communities to establish carsharing and cargo bike-sharing networks. Focused on reducing car dependency and addressing transportation inequity, the grassroots initiative has grown from a small neighbourhood experiment in Montreal to a province-wide movement spanning over 11 communities.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
LocoMotion is a community-driven network that’s revolutionizing how folks share transportation resources in Quebec! We help neighbours set up and run their own local car-sharing and cargo bike-sharing systems. Think of us as a grassroots alternative to commercial carsharing – we’re all about making mobility accessible through collective ownership and volunteer power. 💪
What problem does it aim to solve?
We’re tackling the twin challenges of car dependency and transportation inequity. Not everyone can access to a car or cargo bike, and many communities lack good transit options. By pooling resources and empowering local volunteers, we’re making shared mobility accessible to more people while building stronger, more connected communities.
When did you start/join it?
I jumped aboard this wonderful adventure at the end of 2018, when LocoMotion was a local pilot before its transition to a province-wide movement. The energy and vision of the team and volunteers completely drew me in.
What made you want to get involved?
I was captivated by LocoMotion’s unique approach to combining social justice with environmental action. The fact that we’re building real alternatives to the private ownership model while strengthening community bonds – that’s what gets me excited to work on this every day! Plus, our volunteer teams are simply incredible.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I joined, we had just a few neighbours in Montreal testing out the concept with …Google Calendar! Our sharing system was pretty basic, but the enthusiasm was sky-high. We were learning everything as we went along, guided by the community’s needs and ambitions.
How has it changed since?
Wow, what a journey! We’ve grown to over 11 communities across Quebec Our volunteer network has tripled in size, and we’re seeing more diverse communities getting involved such as small towns communities. The platform has evolved based on user feedback, but we’ve kept our grassroots spirit and “by and for the community” approach. Our members can decide collectively car sharing fees, validate the inter-community programmation, etc.
What more needs to be done?
There’s still so much potential to unlock! We need to make our model even more accessible to underserved communities, strengthen our volunteer support systems, and expand our impact outside major urban areas. We’re also working on making our open-source tech platform even more user-friendly and community-driven.
How can our readers help?
Start or join a LocoMotion community in your neighbourhood or town.
Share your car, a cargo bike or a bike trailer with your community.
Volunteer with your local committee. Spread the word about community-driven shared mobility
Do you have any events coming up?
Many! Discover them here.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | Website | Newsletter
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
All the LocoMotion local committees:
