A new bike-friendly version of Terrebonne Street in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough is set to be implemented, featuring one-way traffic and two protected bike lanes. However, some residents are fiercely opposed to the project, citing concerns about the impact on street parking and the safety of residents, particularly children. The opposition stems from a previous failed attempt to implement a similar bike path in 2020, which was removed after just a few months. Despite this, the borough has invested over $200,000 in studying how to better implement the new infrastructure, which will reduce street parking by over 60%.
Residents organizing against the new bike path believe that the project fails to consider the needs of the population, which is predominantly older compared to other areas of the city. They argue that the project represents social engineering to encourage biking, which may not be suitable for the demographics of the area. This sentiment is shared by residents like Tom Glowacky, who believes that the project does not align with the needs and preferences of the community. However, the borough’s first long-term plan for transportation emphasizes the importance of encouraging active transportation, with a focus on reducing solo car driving both within and beyond the neighborhood.
Active transportation advocates in the area welcome the new plan and bike path, seeing it as a step towards creating a safer and more sustainable transportation environment. They argue that the new infrastructure will help make the street safer for all users, including cars, by slowing down traffic and narrowing the street. Despite opposition from some residents, advocates like Jason Savard, spokesperson for the Association of Pedestrians and Cyclists of NDG, believe that there is significant support for the project within the community. They highlight the existing dangers of the street for cyclists and the potential benefits of the new bike lanes in improving safety for everyone.
Concerns from opposing residents include fears that the new bike path will pose dangers to cars backing up from driveways and to children crossing the street. Residents like Marie Yvonne Kiely, a longtime Terrebonne Street resident, express worries about children having to cross into a bike path, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Despite these concerns, the borough mayor’s office did not provide a statement in response to inquiries from Global News. In response to the opposition, residents are organizing a rally at William Hurst Park on May 25 to further voice their concerns and objections to the new bike-friendly infrastructure on Terrebonne Street.
In conclusion, the planned implementation of a new bike-friendly version of Terrebonne Street in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough has sparked controversy among residents, with some strongly opposing the project due to concerns about safety and the impact on street parking. The borough’s initiative to encourage active transportation aligns with broader goals of reducing solo car driving and promoting sustainable transportation options. While advocates see the new bike path as a positive step towards improving safety and accessibility for cyclists and all road users, opposing residents argue that the project does not adequately consider the needs and preferences of the community, particularly the older population in the area. The upcoming rally will provide an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and potentially influence the decision-making process regarding the implementation of the new bike-friendly infrastructure on Terrebonne Street.
