Neighborhoods in eastern Montreal, including Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles and the municipality of Montreal-Est, face persistent neglect in terms of sustainable mobility initiatives. This reality, detrimental to the vitality of these communities, requires urgent attention and intervention. While the revitalization of this region is taking place with great fanfare in the media around ambitious projects, it must also be accompanied by more targeted solutions, in particular encouraging the active movement of residents.
The current observation reveals a limited number of Bixi stations in these neighborhoods, which hampers the mobility efficiency of residents. Above all, there is a lack of electric bicycles which, considering the large surface area of the territory, would meet demand and needs. The last stations are on Boulevard du Tricentenaire, in Pointe-aux-Trembles, and at Parc Armand-Bombardier, in Rivière-des-Prairies. From these locations, it is only possible to move west to find the next station, which leaves large swaths of the territory uncovered.
However, in a region where automobile use predominates, investing in sustainable travel options is of crucial importance. Citizens express the need for solutions, and cycling can play a central role in this transition towards more environmentally friendly mobility.
An eloquent example is that of the Parc de la Traversée, in Pointe-aux-Trembles, equipped with a cycle path likely to become the pivot of an extended network of Bixi stations which could go as far as the Plage de l’Est . The absence of a service point at the René-Masson pole, where there is a wide range of services (library, secondary school, aquatic center and shops), is another example of a missed opportunity for high-impact deployment. on a community.
As actors of social development, we encourage residents to reconsider their travel habits, even if this represents a challenge in underserved areas like ours. Without the infrastructure to encourage them to do so, we go around in circles around the issue.
The establishment of new Bixi stations would not only be beneficial for residents’ connectivity, but also for the development of local vitality. Furthermore, encouraging an active lifestyle contributes significantly to the physical and mental health of the population, thus strengthening community well-being.
Although adding new Bixi stations requires significant investment and careful planning, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial costs. While awaiting the development of a more structuring public transport model for eastern Montreal, the installation of Bixi stations represents a crucial step towards more sustainable mobility and a more resilient community.
In short, the neglect suffered by the eastern neighborhoods of Montreal in terms of sustainable mobility cannot continue. It is imperative to act now to provide these communities with the infrastructure necessary for them to thrive. Investing in active travel solutions, such as Bixi stations, is an essential first step towards a future where urban mobility rhymes with sustainability and social inclusion.