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Montreal North cyclists hold demonstration for more bike paths

With increased ridership, they say current infrastructure is very out of date

Photo by: Pierre Inoni/Coalition mobilité active Montréal

There have been no protected bike path has created in Montreal North for more than four decades, and cycling advocates say that is unacceptable, according to a report from Global News. Cycling advocates in that borough say that needs to change.

“Everywhere in the city they are building bike paths,” Jean-Francois Gagné, spokesperson for Montreal North Secure Mobility Association said. “Downtown and Ahuntsic, on Gouin in RDP but here they didn’t build anything.”

He noted that times have changed in his area, and there are many more people who use bikes to commute, instead of a car.

“There are a lot of more cyclists but no more infrastructure added in the last 40 years, so that’s what we want something better for our kids,” Gagné said.

The association held a demonstration on Sunday demanding change. Following that, the group rode through the area. The event’s goal was to create awareness for increased bike paths or protected bike lanes, especially by the schools. David Lambert, spokesperson for the Montreal Active Mobility Coalition said the existing infrastructure is not sufficient.

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“There’s a  need for a bicycle path which goes in front of several schools, secondary, primary and other key destinations, where right now it’s impossible to get to them safely on bike,” Lambert said. “People will not get on a bike and cycle unless they feel protected.”

In May, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced it would earmark $17 million to create more cycling paths as well as upgrade existing ones.

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Cyclists in Montreal North are hoping that some of those funds will go to their area, where necessary improvements are needed. “The borough is working on analyzing different scenarios for new bicycle facilities that will be submitted to the city center by the fall in order to obtain the necessary funding for their realization,” Montreal North Mayor Christine Black said in a statement.