At a time when the world wants to move towards a greener path through different means, some citizens indicate that it is difficult to abandon the means of transport inherited from the industrial revolution. For several years, citizen initiatives and mobilizations in favor of bicycles have taken place in Montreal.
Mayor Valérie Plante’s project called Réseau express vélo aims to create more than 200 km of safe cycle paths across the island by 2027 in order to respond to the increase in bicycle use. However, in this context, increasing the number of cycle paths also means reducing the number of car lanes and parking spaces.
This October 3, it was the last straw in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension district. In front of the district council, supporters of the project and opponents met to demonstrate, until they came to blows. New cycle paths are being created and will require the removal of approximately 260 parking spaces.
The majority of protesters against cycle paths are not opposed to bicycles, but to the removal of these spaces. In many areas of the city, it can be difficult to park. Not everyone can get around by bike, whether due to work, home location, or personal circumstances. These demonstrators also have the impression of not being listened to by political actors.
As for cyclists, we note that there are few or no cycle paths — or if there are, that they are not secure enough. According to Vélo Québec, in 2020, some 1,257 cyclists were hit by cars. This figure has been falling for several years (there were 1,896 similar collisions in 2015), proving the effectiveness of cycle paths, but also showing that we must continue to think about the safety of their users.
Masse critique is a group that is held every last Friday of the month during which cyclists travel — by bike — a defined route in the city to highlight the importance of ensuring the safety of people who travel by bike. They are not trying to block traffic, but rather to show that they are part of it. The vast majority of accidents take place at or near intersections; it is necessary to protect the lives of cyclists while letting motorists navigate.
To this debate which has lasted for several years, a new aspect has been added: the test of the Bixi accessible all winter, a first for the company since its creation in 2014. This new element will this time raise questions about the safety of the slopes in winter, even if the bicycle tires will be adapted to the season.
Rebuilding a city where drivers and cyclists cooperate is difficult, but not impossible. Installing medians between bicycle and road lanes, placing bicycle-only lights and making cycle paths more visible at intersections can save lives. It is necessary to make certain sacrifices on both sides: cycle paths can never be completely safe, and unfortunately, collisions will always occur.
Whatever the case, the objective is to share urban space and make it accessible to as many people as possible while fighting against inequalities. The mayor of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension explained this last October 3, during the borough council meeting: “We have a public space that is limited, we cannot enlarge it, and it It’s our duty to make sure we share it more equitably. »