If 2020 remains memorable because of the pandemic, it could also be remembered as the year when we regained awareness of the vital importance of our public spaces. Driven by the imperatives of physical distancing, many municipalities finally dared to open (and not, as is too often heard, close) part of their streets to humans. The result has been the emergence of shared streets, calmed streets, «active and safe» streets, free-play streets, pedestrianized streets, bike lanes, permanent or temporary bicycle paths... all to the delight of our citizens!
Unfortunately, where car traffic is restricted, cycling has generally also been banned. On pedestrianized streets, cyclists are often required to dismount 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, rain or shine, crowded or deserted. On the one hand, it's surprising that these prohibitions aren't respected; on the other, the many signs posted suggest that this ban on cycling is based on a well-documented principle: cyclists are dangerous for pedestrians! No statistical data can confirm this.
What if we took the gamble that it's possible to cohabit with cyclists on pedestrian streets? In Europe, pedestrian streets that allow cyclists to ride are commonplace. Closer to home, the McGill University campus invites pedestrians and cyclists to share the car-free space, after several years of fruitless bans. And let's not forget: pedestrians and cyclists have much in common, and can coexist without great risk.
So here's our wish for this summer: let's take advantage of the extraordinary laboratory that's available to us, and bet that this cohabitation is possible. Let's give ourselves the chance to open up pedestrian streets to cyclists, appealing to their judgment and cracking down on thoughtless cyclists. As cyclists, let's live up to this trust: let's adapt our speed to pedestrians by riding «at the pace», and giving them plenty of space, since pedestrians and cyclists don't like to be brushed by the fastest. And if the busy street demands it, let's have the good sense to put our foot down.
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
