Struggling to Coexist as One Household Can Be Challenging
In the bustling city of Montreal, the growing number of cyclists, pedestrians, e-scooters, and utility cyclists using the bike paths has led to increasing tensions. A frequent cyclist, François Démontagne, recently witnessed a dangerous overtaking incident by an e-bike rider, highlighting the need for improved coexistence and safety on these paths.
The surge in traffic on Montreal's bike paths necessitates more vigilance from all users—cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and authorities—to coexist safely. The city's bike paths are no longer just for traditional cyclists; they now cater to e-bikes, e-scooters, gyroroues, and pedestrians, each with varying speeds and behaviours.
Vélo Québec, a prominent cycling advocacy group, believes that improving cohabitation requires a change in culture, particularly in respecting pedestrian priority. Jean-François Rheault, CEO of Vélo Québec, observes that there has been a growth in cycling traffic over the past two decades, outpacing the growth of the network, particularly on heavily used axes like the Saint-Denis REV network.
The City of Montreal prioritises the safety of vulnerable users, including pedestrians and cyclists, with the Vision Zero action plan aiming for a zero death and serious injury toll on the network by 2040. Key potential solutions include redesigning and upgrading bike lanes, creating separate or dedicated lanes for different types of users, better infrastructure maintenance and management, enhanced enforcement of traffic rules, public education campaigns, and community feedback mechanisms.
These measures aim to balance the needs of various path users, improve safety, and reduce tensions on Montreal’s bike paths. However, comprehensive city planning and significant investment may be required to fully implement them.
The rearrangement of the REV on Saint-Denis Street is an example of a project aimed at improving the safety of cyclists. This project has allowed for the securing of black spots, such as the Carrières overpass, once dreaded by cyclists. Anh Khoi Do, a utility cyclist, notes that coexistence generally goes well, but there is a problem with pedestrians walking on the bike paths as if they were an extension of the sidewalk.
Jude Faf-Larose, another cyclist, shares the same sentiment, noting that the main source of tension comes from risky maneuvers. The SPVM warns that risky behaviours exist on all paths, and the non-respect of priorities or reserved spaces for each type of user can compromise the safety of all persons circulating on the road network.
Jean-François Rheault believes that quality amenities are necessary to manage coexistence effectively, citing the example of modern bus stops with designated areas for pedestrian crossings. Many utility cyclists are trying to improve Montreal's pedestrian potential, but disrespectful pedestrians ignoring the bike paths are a problem.
In conclusion, when people choose to cycle, it benefits their health, the environment, the city, and motorists. The more people who travel by bike, the fewer people who travel by car. As the number of cyclists continues to grow, it is crucial to address the tensions on Montreal's bike paths and work towards a safer, more respectful coexistence for all users.
[1] Montreal Gazette. (2022, March 10). Montreal city council approves plan to overhaul or remove unsafe bike lanes. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/montreal-city-council-approves-plan-to-overhaul-or-remove-unsafe-bike-lanes
[2] CBC News. (2022, April 12). BIXI Montreal to fix broken bikes, replace older fleet with new models. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/bixi-montreal-broken-bikes-1.6444422
- To address the increasing tensions on Montreal's bike paths, Vélo Québec proposes a change in culture for all users, emphasizing respect for pedestrian priority.
- With the growth of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other modes of transportation on these paths, the City of Montreal prioritizes safety and invests in redesigning and upgrading bike lanes, while encouraging community feedback mechanisms and public education campaigns.
- As the home-and-garden sector continues to grow,1 utilitarian cyclists are striving to improve Montreal's pedestrian environment, but disrespectful pedestrians failing to respect bike paths pose a challenge.2
