Posted at 5:00 a.m.
Both sides of the medal
Yes, I saw offenders who completely occupied the bike path, on the REV Saint-Denis. The vast majority of the time it was construction and earthmoving workers who parked their huge trucks and machinery and seemed settled for the day. The only possible way was to continue my route by bike in the street. On the other hand, I practically stopped using the REV because of a large part of cyclists who ride very fast with overtaking in dangerous street corners.
Marcel Laberge
On the North Shore
I live in Sainte-Rose, in Laval, and it is not uncommon for company vehicles doing landscaping or construction workers’ cars to park directly in the bike paths, when there there are places of car park on the other side of the street. It’s really annoying. I think what helps is to put posts, but again, it’s not magic. A raised bike path from the street helps a lot too.
Genevieve Cote
More accessible parking?
Perhaps if we thought about making parking more accessible, therefore more possible, there would be fewer vehicles parked in the wrong place.
Sylvie St-Amant
Marking and signaling requested
In order to secure access and limit it to cyclists, flexible bollards and beacons as well as markings on the roadway indicating “For bicycles only” would be greatly appreciated by users. The Peel Street bike path does not offer any protection for cyclists. In addition, the relief of it in relation to the street and the sidewalk is minimal. It is not surprising that we find parked cars.
Diane Duhaime
Take inspiration from elsewhere
Countries like Denmark or the Netherlands are creating real networks of cycle paths, separate from car lanes. In town, this means walkways at intersections, etc. Cars and bicycles should not coexist on the same lane. The rest is just patches temporary.
Laurent de Moussac
rules for all
It’s good to make motorists responsible. But it is important that cyclists also follow rules: do not ride against the current, do not pass on the right cars that indicate a right turn, do not crash in the middle of the lane and prevent safe overtaking.
Yvan Beique
Propose solutions
In almost all cases, these are contractors, plumbers, etc., who take advantage of the trails to park near their site. If I try to put myself in their shoes, without excusing their lack of respect for cyclists, I can understand their needs. Parking is scarce, and parking far from their worksite makes their job considerably more difficult. They should be made aware of the danger they create, intervene severely, but also offer them solutions. During the day, the areas reserved for sticker holders are almost empty: why not a special sticker that would allow construction workers to use them?
Catherine Pelchat
And the more local axes?
There are not only parked vehicles, but also those circulating on cycle paths. We focus on the main roads, that’s good, but little on unprotected (painted) tracks, which represent a greater danger for users when vehicles are parked there or who use them as tracks. Come and have a look at Saint-Laurent on avenue Sainte-Croix, de l’Eglise or Decelles to understand.
Jean-Francois Labelle
Cohabitation for all
With the increase in the popularity of the bicycle, I find that we should also focus more on the questions surrounding the issues of cohabitation of all users. From my point of view, there is currently a lack of supervision of practices on certain sections of cycle paths, and this can lead to safety issues for users if nothing is done. I live and I regularly see situations which, within 2 seconds or 5 km/h more, could have been more dramatic.
Melanie Routhier
The power of deterrence
I live in Rosemont. Every morning, I go to work by BIXI or on foot. I would say that 80% of the time, I see cars, but also often delivery trucks parked in the lanes and bike paths. It is time for the City to act more firmly, because the safety of cyclists is at stake. Towing vehicles is a great idea, doubling the amount of fines would also be a deterrent.
Jean-Marc Migeotte
A sense of civic responsibility
There is a limit for offenders, either on bicycles, motorcycles or cars. Unfortunately, in our beautiful province, non-compliance with simple instructions is increasingly becoming an undesirable behavior that is imposed on us without any consequences. It is high time to regain some form of responsibility and respect.
Michel Damphousse