Intersections

By Joel Ceausu
The Suburban

A survey by a team at Transportation Research at McGill (TRAM) has identified dangerous intersections for cyclists in Montreal.

More than 1,500 cyclists recently participated, pointing out the most problematic spots. Researchers say there is a critical need for safer cycling infrastructure, to promote sustainable travel and prevent fatal collisions caused by poor road design. “Intersections are the most vulnerable areas for crashes involving cyclists, pedestrians and cars,” said Hisham Negm, a TRAM Research Assistant and PhD student at McGill’s School of Urban Planning.

Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the study includes a policy brief revealing the 10 most mentioned spots, and recommendations that include analyzing zones where bicycles come into conflict with vehicles and pedestrians to identify reasons for collisions and near-misses; collecting and studying preferred routes taken by cyclists; redesigning dangerous intersections to prioritize safety and ease of movement, proactively preventing crashes.

Ontario and Berri led the survey in mentions, with three west-end locations De Maisonneuve West and Décarie (5th), Sainte-Croix and Côte-de-Liesse (8th) and De lL Vérendrye and de l’Église (10). “The ones highlighted in this survey need to be redesigned to improve safety and comfort for everyone… Designing for cycling is not solely about adding bike lanes. To ensure safety for all road users and ease of movement for cyclists, these lanes must be well-designed and connected.”

The most dangerous intersections according to cyclists

1. Ontario & Berri

2. Parc & Mont-Royal

3. Saint-Joseph East & D’Iberville

4. Papineau & Crémazie

5. De Maisonneuve & Décarie

6. De Maisonneuve & Berri

7. Saint-Urbain & Président-Kennedy

8. Sainte-Croix & Côte-de-Liesse

9. Dickson & Notre-Dame

10. De La Vérendrye & De l’Église