I walk Laurier everyday on my way to work, and it is great to see all of the cyclists. The entire energy of this street has changed! But at the same time I have to question the cities timing. They create this wonderful new safer environment for cyclists, but then a few weeks later blow up half the street near the Laurier Metro and force cars and bikes to do a dangerous dance as they take turns using the remaining portion of open road. Maybe the roadwork wasn’t planned? Or just not planned well? Regardless, I appreciate the traffic change.
the same situation will happen for any subsequent construction on laurier. so i guess it’s more important to create a culture of ensuring safe traffic passing when doing construction.
usually cars are directed, but no one in montreal seems to think or care about creating safe passages for pedestrians or cyclists (it’s enough if there is an opening somewhere for squeezing through), and that can lead to dangerous situations where they are forced together. i find it especially bad at private construction sites, i’ve seen repeatedly that they just block the passage. at long-term construction sites i’ve noticed some half-hearted changes after a few weeks or months – i guess that’s when enough people have complained and the city inspector has managed to pass by. drinking-cup sized orange baby cones (dollarama?) are ridiculous on a major boulevard.
a counter-example from vienna: a danube bridge was just completely re-done, over 2 years. at certain times car traffic was inhibited or blocked, but at no time pedestrian and cyclists access was interferred with. if there’s not enough space, drivers just can’t pass safely, so they won’t be permitted.
Jonathan 13:51 on 2011/06/30 Permalink
I walk Laurier everyday on my way to work, and it is great to see all of the cyclists. The entire energy of this street has changed! But at the same time I have to question the cities timing. They create this wonderful new safer environment for cyclists, but then a few weeks later blow up half the street near the Laurier Metro and force cars and bikes to do a dangerous dance as they take turns using the remaining portion of open road. Maybe the roadwork wasn’t planned? Or just not planned well? Regardless, I appreciate the traffic change.
Stefan 14:12 on 2011/06/30 Permalink
the same situation will happen for any subsequent construction on laurier. so i guess it’s more important to create a culture of ensuring safe traffic passing when doing construction.
usually cars are directed, but no one in montreal seems to think or care about creating safe passages for pedestrians or cyclists (it’s enough if there is an opening somewhere for squeezing through), and that can lead to dangerous situations where they are forced together. i find it especially bad at private construction sites, i’ve seen repeatedly that they just block the passage. at long-term construction sites i’ve noticed some half-hearted changes after a few weeks or months – i guess that’s when enough people have complained and the city inspector has managed to pass by. drinking-cup sized orange baby cones (dollarama?) are ridiculous on a major boulevard.
a counter-example from vienna: a danube bridge was just completely re-done, over 2 years. at certain times car traffic was inhibited or blocked, but at no time pedestrian and cyclists access was interferred with. if there’s not enough space, drivers just can’t pass safely, so they won’t be permitted.