Priority given to public safety over traffic movement, according to Valérie Plante

Pedaling Forward: Valerie Plante Drives a Cycling, Pedestrian-Friendly Montreal

In a shift that's revolutionizing the cityscape since 2017, Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante stands firm on transforming Montreal into a haven for cyclists and pedestrians. The metropolis' core neighborhoods, from Lorimier to Old Longueuil, are witnessing a boom in cycling trips, with up to 24% of morning rush hour journeys now on two wheels.

The Plateau-Mont-Royal's Lorimier district is leading the charge, with nearly 24% of its morning trips cycled. Remarkably, this figure is akin to bicycle-friendly cities such as Amsterdam or Copenhagen. About half of its residents cycle to school or work, and the city is making progress towards these cycling paradises.

Statistics crunched last week by the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) reveal that cycling is gaining momentum in central island neighborhoods, including the Plateau, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Verdun, Ville-Marie, Ahuntsic, Villeray, and Hochelaga. These areas demonstrate a cycling mode share ranging from 10% to 17% during the morning rush hour.

Mayor Plante addressed the city council, pledging to continue reshaping mobility in Montreal through the development of bike lanes, bus-only lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure until her term ends in November.

On a contentious note, she confronted a critic questioning her decisions favoring cyclists over drivers, specifically regarding the planned extension of the bike lane on Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine. "Everyone has the right to safety," asserted Plante. "We guard human life above traffic flow. When collisions and fatalities occur, they predominantly involve pedestrians or cyclists."

Protecting the Vulnerable

Plante argues that her administration is reforming the city to safeguard the most susceptible citizens. In 2020, they revamped the Saint-Denis Street express bike lane (REV) due to over 300 collisions reported on this stretch in less than a decade.

The city is also gearing up to sacrifice two lanes of motorized traffic on Rue Hochelaga to construct a bike lane and pedestrian crossings – another injury-prone artery with 398 collisions recorded in six years.

Consequently, collisions have resulted in the deaths of 161 pedestrians and 23 cyclists on Montreal Island over the past ten years – a frightening statistic with twice as many pedestrian fatalities as drivers. This toll also includes 743 pedestrians and 246 cyclists who have suffered serious injuries.

Demanding change, Sophie Mauzerolle, responsible for transportation on the city's executive committee, claimed, "The death of pedestrians and cyclists on our streets has become intolerable."

Space Redistribution

"The evidence speaks for itself. The data is indisputable," said Plante, justifying her efforts to redistribute the sharing of public space in favor of bicycles, pedestrians, and buses. The Plante administration claims these efforts are paying off by making the roads safer, particularly on major arteries such as Henri-Bourassa, Saint-Urbain, Hochelaga, Lacordaire, and Christophe-Colomb. Statistically, nine out of ten serious or fatal collisions occur on these types of arteries.

Old Longueuil, just across the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, is seeing a surge in cycling, with 6.4% of peak morning commutes – figures noticeably higher than most Montreal boroughs, who make up less than 2% of trips by bicycle in areas away from the island's center.

Jean-François Rheault, President and CEO of Vélo Québec, states that cyclists support these initiatives when cities build safe infrastructure. Bike lanes remain a divisive issue in municipal politics, but mayors who champion equitable road usage often achieve success. Former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson, who recently took on a new role in the government of Mark Carney, is one such example.

The Ensemble Montreal party, the city's opposition, advocates for the protection of the most vulnerable users – seniors, children, pedestrians, and cyclists. Councillor Alba Zúñiga Ramos of Ensemble Montreal, however, criticized the Plante administration for the lack of consultation before major works that reshape crucial arteries throughout the city. "We must collaborate with merchants and citizens impacted by the proposed reconfigurations," she emphasized.

Expanding Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure in Montreal

Projects and initiatives:

Enhanced Bicycle Infrastructure: Plans include extending bike paths on Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine and developing new links on Avenue du Mont-Royal by 2025. These projects aim to link existing cycling routes and improve safety by installing green bike boxes, creating safer intersections, and reducing traffic congestion[1].
Improved Pedestrian Infrastructure: Enhancements include adding pedestrian refuges, planting areas, and new bus platforms, all aimed at improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians[1].
Public Engagement and Education: Programs like Toutes à vélo encourage cycling as a transportation option and educate cyclists on road safety, fostering better interactions between cyclists and drivers[2].

Challenges and Controversies:

Resistance from the Public: Tensions exist between cyclists and drivers, mainly due to the reduction of parking spaces and perceived impacts on traffic during snow removal[2].
Social Media Discourse: Social media platforms serve as avenues for stakeholders to voice differing opinions on cycling infrastructure, fueling ongoing debates[2].

In conclusion, while there are challenges, the expansion of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Montreal is designed to ensure safety, improve traffic fluidity, and encourage a transition towards more environmentally-friendly transportation options. Continuous public engagement and education are vital to ensure the success of these initiatives.

References:

City of Montreal. (n.d.). Mobilité vélo. Montreal.ca. Retrieved May 8, 2023, from https://www.montreal.ca/en/life-in-montreal/transportation/transportation-methods/biking/Pages/mobilite-velo.aspx
Plante administration. (n.d.). Transforming Montreal. Vision zéro (I). Montreal.ca. Retrieved May 8, 2023, from https://partageons.montreal.ca/2022/02/vision-zero/
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