CTV News Montreal

Updated: Sat Apr. 11 2009 5:05:55 PM

ctvmontreal.ca

More than 700 motorcyclists cruised slowly around Montreal Saturday afternoon to protest rising registration fees for motorcycle owners.

"I think you could probably have ten, maybe twenty bikes out in Alberta for the price of putting a plate on a bike here," said protester Philip Pelly.

The motorcycle riders began their demonstration at 11:00 a.m., and proceeded to ride leisurely along the Decarie Expressway, and Highways 13, 20 and 40.

Calling their strategy "Operation Escargot", they crawled along at 60 km per hour -- the minimum speed limit allowed on those roadways.

Eric Lessard, a spokesperson for the demonstrators, said he believes the Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ) discriminates against motorcyclists.

He cited statistics that show motorcyclists -- despite their increasing presence Quebec roads -- are involved in fewer accidents than those who drive cars.

But registration fees for some motorcycles have more than tripled in recent years, he said.

For example, in 2007 it cost $320 to ride a sports bike. Next year, it will cost $1,400.

"They're going to kill the motorcycle market," said motorcyclist Claude Arsenault.

Some motorcycle lovers, however, told CTV Montreal's Daniele Hamamdjian they understand the SAAQ's decision to hike registration fees.

"They really stand behind anybody who's been a victim of an accident here," said one man.

More demonstrations are expected in the coming weeks.