Bicyclist Protection: A Questionable Reality

The Jacques-Cartier Bridge, a major landmark in Montreal, is not currently undergoing significant cycling safety improvements. However, the focus on improving cyclist safety in the broader area around the bridge is gaining momentum.

The main alternative solution proposed for enhancing cyclist safety involves comprehensive urban planning and road reconfiguration. This approach aims to create safer, more accessible cycling routes adjacent to or connected with the bridge area.

One such project is the planned reconfiguration of the Bonaventure Expressway near the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. Starting construction in September 2025, this project is designed to improve safety and mobility for cyclists and pedestrians. The reconfiguration will move traffic lanes away from the river, creating a large green corridor with two active mobility paths and landscaped public spaces. This will not only enhance cycling infrastructure but also reduce the road footprint and heat islands.

Meanwhile, another bridge in Montreal, the Pont Jacques-Bizard, is being rebuilt with a wider two-way bike path and sidewalk. This redevelopment will replace the aging structure and improve active travel options, suggesting a trend towards better cycling infrastructure on Montreal bridges.

Soraya Martinez Ferrada, a mayoral candidate in Montreal, has proposed an audit of all the city's bike paths in the name of cyclist safety. While no specific alternative solutions focused solely on cyclist safety improvements on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge were reported, Martinez Ferrada's proposals align with the broader goals of urban mobility improvements for Montreal.

The debate about the Jacques-Cartier Bridge improvements and the third link project highlights the need to consider active transportation as a serious mobility solution. With bike trips in Montreal reaching record highs in June and July, it is clear that improving cycling infrastructure is essential to meet the growing demand for active travel options.

While the cost of the improvements for the Jacques-Cartier Bridge is significant, ranging between 277 and 340 million dollars, mobility experts argue that even an imperfect bike path offers better protection for cyclists than no path at all. The solution to this issue isn't to remove paths, but to continue expanding the network to meet demand and improve user well-being and safety.

In conclusion, while the Jacques-Cartier Bridge itself may not undergo major cycling safety improvements until 2060, the focus on comprehensive urban planning and road reconfiguration is a promising step towards creating safer, more accessible cycling routes in the area.