Cyclists lobby for safer routes
Some local cycling clubs are trying to raise awareness among municipal authorities for safer roads and bike paths.
François Durocher, head of the Beaconsfield Cycling Club, said the Coalition for Cyclist Safety and Accessible Bicycle Corridors is asking for governments to keep cyclists in mind when undertaking new road or bridge infrastructure.
“We want them to be aware that we need safe corridors and intersections for cycling,” Durocher said on behalf of the coalition which represents more than 900 cyclists in four clubs.
Other clubs in the coalition are Club vélo Dorval, Club cycliste Les 3 Sommets and Le Club de cyclisme du Suroit.
Durocher said there is a glaring lack of north-south cycling corridors to cross Highway 40 in the West Island.
“The West Island is quite good if you want to go east to west or west to east. But good luck if you want to go north to south,” he said.
“This is almost impossible because, for unknown reasons, it was fairly well thought out for crossing Highway 20, but not for Highway 40 at all. You need to face cars and cross over very scary bridges.
“That’s why we want to create awareness for decision makers. We’re saying it’s nice to go one way, from one side of West Island to the other. But the north-south corridor doesn’t work. You need to take your nerve and cross Blvd. St. Jean or Blvd. des Sources bridge. It’s not fun.”
He said the Chemin Ste-Marie interchange overpass, near the Colisée Kirkland cinemas, is probably the safest route for crossing Highway 40. But he noted its narrow and could use better signage
“We’re not asking for structural changes right away,” Durocher said. “But if you need to do structural work, consider that cycling is not just for those with jerseys. It’s for everyone.”
Durocher says parts of the Route Verte bike path in the West Island need to be better maintained, as well.
“It’s better in some places than in others,” he said.
“Sometimes when I’m cycling on Lakeshore Rd. I have to ride in the middle the road because the cycling lane is too dangerous. I could easily hit a (pot) hole. It’s not safe.”
Durocher said most car drivers are good about respecting cyclists on the road in the West Island.
“And part of our club’s (mandate) is to educate our members on safety and good manners,” he added.
“Most drivers are open-minded but some get upset. There is no need to create tension between car drivers and cyclists.”