Cycling enthusiasts in Montreal believe that the intersection of Ontario and Berri streets is the most dangerous for them, followed by that of Parc and Mont-Royal avenues. This is what reveals a survey of 1,500 cyclists by the Transportation Research (TRAM) group at McGill University.
In total, the study identifies the ten riskiest intersections in the metropolis. In third, fourth and fifth positions, we find respectively the intersection of boulevard Saint-Joseph Est and D’Iberville, that of avenue Papineau and boulevard Crémazie then that of boulevards De Maisonneuve and Décarie.
“The intersections highlighted in this survey must be redesigned to improve safety and comfort for all,” said Hisham Negm, research assistant at TRAM and doctoral student at the McGill School of Urban Planning. According to him and his team, it is crucial to put in place safer cycling infrastructure in order to “prevent fatal collisions caused by poor road design”.
“Designing for cycling is about more than adding bike lanes. To ensure the safety of all road users and facilitate the movement of cyclists, these paths must be well designed and connected to each other,” underlines Mr. Negm.
In light of the results of this survey, the researchers believe that the City of Montreal would also benefit from “collecting and studying cyclists’ preferred routes.” It should also “analyze areas where bicycles come into conflict with vehicles and pedestrians to identify the reasons for collisions and near-accidents,” they argue.
Contacted by The duty, Marianne Giguère, member of the executive committee of the City of Montreal, assures that she will carefully analyze the results of this study. “They already seem to be in line with the City’s conclusions since several intersections mentioned are currently the subject of security work or will do so soon,” specifies the advisor associated with mobility and the bicycle plan.
“We will continue to accelerate initiatives across the city to guarantee the safety of all users, particularly the most vulnerable,” she adds.
Further details will follow.