What is the problem of the cycle path on Rachel Street?

The cycle path on Rachel is one of the rare protected infrastructure to allow you to go. Similarly, from Maisonneuve park to Mont Royal by bicycle. However, several cyclists deplore his disuse. Moreover, What are the problems of this corridor and how can we improve it?

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The cycle path of rue Rachel was fitted out in the 1980s. However, The municipal administration had then opted for a two-way track to allow cyclists to cross the city from East to West. Similarly, but also to “avoid sacrificing too much parking,” said Magali Bebronne, director of programs and spokesperson for Vélo what problem cycle path rachel Québec.

“We thought it was a good standard. Therefore, We certainly did not have the level of cyclist we know today, ”she adds.

In 2024, more than 730,000 passages were registered at the clock located on rue Rachel at the corner of Avenue de l’Hotel-de-Ville. After the Express Bike Networks (Rev) on the Saint-Denis. Bellechasse streets, it is one of the most busy cycle paths in Montreal.

Result: the comfort and safety of cyclists are affected.

The bidirectional track on rue Rachel has a total width of three meters – 1.5 meters for each band -, which makes the overruns complicated.

By adding the speed differential caused by the growing presence of electric bikes. scooters, the risk of collisions between cyclists increase.

“You have to find a hole in cyclists traffic which come in the opposite direction. that, it can really cause maneuvers what problem cycle path rachel of a little dangerous overtaking. We increase the risks of face-to-face ”, illustrates Magali Bebronne.

For comparison, a strip of the review Saint-Denis measures an average of 2.5 meters wide, allowing to exceed a slow cyclist more easily and in a safe manner.

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What problem cycle path rachel

Intersections multiply the risks

The biggest risk of conflicts on this cycle path are nevertheless found at intersections. numerous on Rachel Street, many of which have no traffic light.

“There are cars, cyclists, pedestrians. It’s been a lot to take into account when you want to cross this two-way track. “notes the spokesperson for Vélo Québec.

Photo Andrea Lubeck, 24 hours

Magali Bebronne, Director of Bike Quebec Programs

A motorist who circulates east on Rachel and who would like to turn north must thus ensure that there is no vehicle in the opposite direction, that there are no cyclists who arrive in both directions and that there are no pedestrians.

“It makes him four movements to take into consideration before doing his turn maneuver. which can be very, very difficult in a context of high traffic,” she said.

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The risks are the same for vehicles circulating on the streets perpendicular to the cycle path, she specifies.

Bollards have been installed at what problem cycle path rachel certain intersections to force motorists to slow down before making a turn. This development decreases the risk of collisions, without however eliminating them completely.

Photo Agence QMI, JOËL LEMAY

No transformation project

Magali Bebronne dreams that the cycle path of rue Rachel-just like that of rue Maisonneuve which is also bidirectional-becomes a unidirectional on both sides of the street, modeled on the model of the Rev Saint-Denis.

«[Vélo Québec] No longer really recommend the bidirectional tracks. unless it is on very long sections where there are few intersections, like along a railway, “she says.

However, the city of Montreal does not intend to transform what problem cycle path rachel the cycle path on Rachel Street.

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“Such a project over the entire length of Rachel Street would involve long and complex work, including the withdrawal of recently built sidewalks, the displacement of sumps, as well as the removal of trees which would not survive a transplantation”, indicates to 24 hours The city spokesman, Hugo Bourgoin.

“The limited width of the street would also ensure that we should withdraw all parking spaces. possibly put certain sections in one direction, which would have a significant impact on the citizens of the sector, as well as the institutions along the axis,” he continues.

Rather. the city is focusing on the development of other East-West cycle corridors on the streets Marie-Anne, Hochelaga, Gilford, Laurier, Bellechasse and Saint-Zotique to “ensure a better distribution of travel”.

In any what problem cycle path rachel case, “a two -way cycle path, it’s better than no cycle path at all,” concludes Magali Bebronne.