Cycling Accidents in Montreal

Today there was an article in the Gazette detailing bike accidents in Montreal for the period 2006-2010. Eye-opening stuff for sure! There were few surprises for me, and I was I guess relieved to see that the intersection I fear the most on my commute is in fact considered a hotspot for cycling accidents.

The entire article complete with interactive map is posted here: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/bike-accidents/index.html

This is all fine and good but… is anything to be done about these “hotspots”? Yes, there will be accidents in all kinds of places, but if there have been seven or more accidents over a four-year period, does that not sound any alarm bells?

Could be any number of things: evaluating (and possibly changing) the traffic signals, educating motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike… well that’s all I can think of at the moment. And no, I am not going to rant about how it’s always the big bad driver’s fault - I have encountered my fair share of “invincible” cyclists as a driver and also had a cycling accident caused by a pedestrian - but it seems to me that something should be done. 

Last year, there was a tragic vehicle accident a block away from my home that claimed the life of a child. Within a week, new speed limit signs were posted, bollards were erected, and there was an increased police presence and more speed traps. And this is the first accident at that intersection in the ten years I have lived here. Yes, that accident had a casualty and no, not necessarily all these bike accidents resulted in a fatality, but seven or more accidents in one place over four years and no investigation/intervention? That’s kind of ridiculous, no? Especially considering the speed with which they altered the intersection of Ste Anne de Bellevue and Pullman after one reader’s letter to the paper. Time to take pen to paper, I guess!

Protecting Your Melon (won’t someone PLEASE think of the children!)

Resurrecting this old beast in honour of this year’s hopefully busy cycling season!

Yesterday I successfully replaced my very first bike tube. To make sure I tucked everything back in properly, I went out for a quick spin (I figured discovering I hadn’t reassembled things correctly halfway to the office would be rather inconvenient…) and took advantage of the beautiful weather. Taking it slow, a father with his young son on one of those bike attachments (with the kid’s bike attached to the parent’s bike) FAST. And recklessly. He was weaving all over the road, which is a pretty busy street. Neither of them had helmets. Half a block away, I overtook another father following his son, both on bikes… again, neither of them were wearing helmets, and this is a busy street! Then I came across a mother and son without helmets. Three instances in about four blocks. 

Am I the only one that was taught about bicycle helmets and how significantly they reduce the risk of traumatizing head injuries? And especially for your child. It just baffles my mind! I couldn’t imagine riding around in the thick of the city without mine. I had a pretty spectacular bike accident a few summers ago (of the arse over teakettle variety) and my helmet very likely saved me from a head injury (it DEFINITELY saved me from a broken nose). I will always be a steadfast proponent of wearing a helmet, and I think it should be a no-brainer when kids are involved.

Left Turns and Right of Way

I know there are many places along the “piste cyclable” where one will encounter the problem I am about to describe, but my personal experience is with the stretch of de Maisonneuve from about Metcalfe to Decarie.

It would surprise me if there have been no serious injuries along that stretch - for me, it is the worst part of my commute. The absolute scariest intersection along there, for me, is de Maisonneuve and Fort. I seriously think there needs to be an evaluation and recommendations made. A few blocks south of de Maisonneuve, Fort is an on-ramp for the highway. Consequently, a large number of cars turn left… across the bike lane. Now, for those travelling against the flow of traffic it’s not so bad. If you are travelling WITH… well, hold on to your hats, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

This is one place where the City should consider having both a dedicated bicycle/walk light AND a turning light. Right now, when the light turns green, you get a good solid 20-30 second of straight arrow so it’s pretty safe. The second that light turns a solid green, cars just start turning. It’s not a long light to begin with. If you’re a decently strong cyclist and you obey traffic signals, if you get the red light one block before, well, you end up hitting the intersection at Fort almost exactly as the light turns a solid green.

Rarely a day goes by where I don’t end up yelling at at least one driver for almost hitting me. I also feel for the drivers, because really only two or three cars ever get through once all the pedestrians clear the intersection.

I’m no urban planner, but perhaps the idea of having the dedicated walk/bicycle signal and the turn signal would really help at that intersection? I know that people will still cross/bike through on the flashing green… but maybe the majority will stop and yield right of way? Definitely food for thought.

Bike Lanes and Paint Choices

Sometimes, the decisions taken at City Hall make no sense. Last year, it was determined that part of the extension to the “piste cyclable” was going to be to extend the bike lane south on Grand Blvd (which is a one-way street north in this section) all the way down to meet the path on de Maisonneuve (which still has yet to be repaved, by the way. If I don’t make it home one day, send a search crew - I am probably in a crater). Well, they decided to do this at the end of October for some reason. As we had a snowy winter, I am not surprised to notice that the paint marking the lane has been all but scraped off by the snowplows and salt trucks. Add to this the lack of signage informing pedestrians and drivers of the bike lane and, well, it can be a fun ride down.

The other day, I was minding my own business, riding down Grand. After nearly being hit by two cars driving very far to the side, I was happy to see that I had a green light at Sherbrooke (great, because at that point you are getting a good coast down the hill). As Montreal pedestrians are wont to do, a woman stepped out off the curb, right into my path. As I swerved, a woman stepped out with her baby in a stroller. I nearly took them all out. None of them had actually given any indication that they were about to jaywalk, yet I should have known! They started yelling at ME that I was riding the wrong way, etc, etc. Well, it’s difficult to prove a point when the only indication to support you is a sign at the very end of the street indicating that the bicycle route continues left or right. Even though I am fiercely defensive, especially when it comes to cyclists in the RIGHT, I let it go. I regret that decision, because the same people will probably do it again!

If the city is serious about making Montreal as bike-friendly as it pretends to be, it really needs to make sure that the separated lanes are obvious and that there are signs indicating that there are bike lanes.

The Ups and Downs of Biking in the City

I have to say, I love my commute by bike. All winter, I long for just enough snow melt to get on the bike. It beats public transit and driving hands down. There is nothing like starting the day with your heart pumping, your muscles working, and the wind in your hair (and the gnats in your teeth). I normally leave for work between 6:30 and 7 in the morning and it is… idyllic. It’s usually still cool, the sun is not too strong, the bike paths are deserted. Save for having to be extra vigilant so those pesky potholes don’t getcha, it’s awesome.

Coming home is a totally different (yet usually equally pleasurable) experience. It’s great to see all the people out on the path, getting in a little fresh air and exercise. Even despite my annoyances with those who flagrantly disobey traffic laws, I still enjoy the ride home. There’s something empowering about passing everyone ;)

The other day I posted some thoughts about Bixi use. I found another downside (this one is purely selfish)… Yesterday I was reminded why you should always travel with a few tools, especially if it’s a new bike. My handlebars became quite loose and halfway home I could no longer ride my bike. So I turned to the man behind me and said, “Hi, sorry, do you happen to have any Allen ke… oh you’re on a Bixi, I guess not.” He chuckled and apologized (this IS Canada after all). Ten minutes of Bixi rider after Bixi rider went by. Finally I had to phone home and ask the other half to bring my my little tool kit.

Oh well, without adventure, life would be terribly boring!

The trouble with Bixi

Well, spring has certainly arrived in La Belle Province. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the Bixi program is back in full swing. I have mixed feelings about Bixi (the bike sharing program in Montreal). On the one hand, I think it’s a great idea. It promotes physical activity and is an inexpensive travel alternative, reducing traffic on our streets and in the public transit system. It gives those who do not/cannot own a bike the chance to get out riding. Whether it is to get from here to there quickly or to get some exercise after being cooped up in the office, the reasons for using Bixi are as varied as the people using it.

That’s about all I can see about it that’s positive. Perhaps most importantly, those who use the system very rarely wear helmets. Since the majority of the stations are in high-traffic areas, this poses a great risk. Many Bixi users are occasional cyclists, some have never ridden before. They tend to weave all over the bike lanes, ride on the sidewalk, and ride right through red lights. On one morning commute, I nearly had two separate collisions with Bixi riders running red lights and entering the bike lane without even looking. In both cases, my presence startled them. Couple this with the lack of helmets and you have a recipe for disaster.

I am aware that this is a huge generalization. I myself am constantly defending cyclists to those around me that make blanket statements that ALL cyclists are a menace on the roads. I know that many seasoned cyclists are just as guilty of this, but in my opinion, a seasoned rider will know their bike and their capabilities and will be better able to avoid/reduce the severity of an accident should one occur.

I do hope that there is at least some effort under way to not only promote Bixi use, but to teach some safe cycling tips so that everyone can get out and enjoy the fresh air. Safely.