The measure is based on the principle that it makes no sense to continue applying the same rules to two such different types of vehicles.
Mayor Valérie Plante has promised improvements to the city's cycling infrastructure. Her ideas align closely with those of Councilor Marianne Giguère, who is responsible for sustainable development and transportation. Giguère believes that, under current laws, the message to cyclists is that they must be just as cautious as drivers, “even though you [the cyclist] pose much less of a danger.”
Under the proposals, cyclists would be allowed to follow pedestrian traffic signals. This means they could turn onto a street even when the light is red.
Proposal divides opinions
As might be expected with a project of this nature, there is no consensus. Critics argue that the idea “rewards” cyclists who break the rules, and that there should be one law for everyone. Some believe Montreal is not ready for such a change. On the other hand, the proposal has many supporters.
“We want equity in the safety code, not equality,” says Suzanne Lareau, CEO of Vélo Québec, a non-profit organization that promotes cycling for recreation and transportation. “A bicycle [does not have] as much weight as a car, you do not go as fast as a car, and you have better peripheral vision. It is not the same, and we must take that into account when enforcing the law,” she says.
Pedaling ahead
Montreal inaugurated its first dedicated bike lane back in the 1980s. According to Treehugger, the city has since treated bicycles as a distinct mode of transportation, aligning itself with Copenhagen and Amsterdam.
Via CicloVivo.
This article was written by CicloVivo. The translation is powered by AI.
