Quebec coroners call on Montreal to make streets safer for cyclists

Three cyclists’ deaths in Montreal this year have brought calls to make streets safer for bike commuters.

This week, two Montreal coroners, Jean Brochu and Jocelyne Tessier, have noted that there are too many fatalities in the city, especially from dooring. Recently, two cyclists were killed by cars doors being opened into cyclists’ paths.

Montreal, noted by Time magazine as one of the 10-best cities to explore on bicycle, has experienced a significant growth in bike traffic in recent years. In 2010, 2.2 per cent of the city’s population took a bike to work, a huge number when compared to other cities in Canada. There are 500,000 more citizens who identify as cyclists in Quebec than in 1995.

While the city is well setup for cyclists, there are still areas that need improving.

Last year there were 35 people taken to hospital after dooring accidents. This year there have already been 58.

Anyone who rides wearing earphones in their ears is an imbecile. Anyone who rides while on the phone or texting is an imbecile.

Brochu, a cyclist himself, and Tessier note that drivers and legislators in Montreal have not kept up with the times and need to work on making the city safer for bike traffic. They have suggested that crown prosecutors begin pressing criminal negligence charges against drivers who don’t check before opening doors into cyclists’ paths. They also want fines for dooring, currently $30, increased.

“Motorists need to understand and accept that cyclists have the right to ride on any street and they do not have any obligation to restrict themselves to using bike paths or lanes, many of which are already saturated,” Brochu told the Gazette.

Two of three cyclist deaths in Montreal this year were caused by dooring accidents.

The corners make suggestions on how to fix the problem of avoidable cyclist injuries and deaths, such as allowing cyclists on sidewalks where vehicle traffic is too busy and running awareness campaigns about checking for cyclists before opening car doors.

Brochu did note to the Gazette that cyclists themselves do need to ride responsibility.

“Cyclists must also be made aware of the dangers of riding irresponsibly. Anyone who rides wearing earphones in their ears is an imbecile. Anyone who rides while on the phone or texting is an imbecile,” said Brochu.