Since Valérie Plante assumed office as Montreal’s Mayor in 2017, the city’s cycling infrastructure has expanded by 35%, adding 280 kilometers to reach a total of 1,082 kilometers of bike paths. Some Montreal residents are expressing concerns about the abundance of bike lanes, with certain mayoral candidates leveraging discontent with cycling facilities for political advantage.
Amidst the 2025 election climate focused on climate change, the bikes-versus-cars debate is viewed as oversimplified. Consequently, candidates’ positions on bike paths are found to be relatively similar. Before delving into the cycling-related pledges of the five mayoral contenders, it’s essential to understand the impact of bike lanes on street parking and local businesses.
Research indicates that Montreal’s bike paths do encroach on parking spaces, prompting a trade-off in urban planning decisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for a healthier and more sustainable city. Despite concerns, only a small portion (2.3%) of Montreal’s road space is dedicated to bike infrastructure, compared to the significant share allocated to cars (97.68%).
Furthermore, studies suggest that the existing bike paths in certain Montreal boroughs are insufficient to meet the growing demand for safe and convenient cycling routes. Advocates argue that reallocating space from parking to bike lanes would have minimal impact on overall traffic flow and could enhance urban efficiency.
Additionally, data reveals significant usage of bike lanes in Montreal, with certain intersections registering over a million bike counts annually. These statistics underscore the importance of prioritizing cycling infrastructure in urban planning to accommodate the evolving transportation landscape.
Regarding businesses, research conducted in 2021 highlights that improved bike infrastructure generally has a positive or neutral economic impact on retail and food services but may adversely affect car-centric businesses. Despite initial challenges faced by some businesses due to construction near bike paths, long-term benefits, such as increased foot traffic and economic growth, have been observed.
As the mayoral race unfolds, candidates have presented varying promises related to cycling. While some pledge to expand the city’s cycling network, others advocate for a review of existing bike paths before committing to further developments. Proposals range from auditing current bike paths to increasing access to bike-sharing services and enhancing public safety through innovative cycling initiatives.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding bike paths in Montreal remains multifaceted, reflecting the complex interplay between urban planning, transportation, and economic considerations. The future of cycling infrastructure in the city will likely be shaped by the electoral outcomes and the subsequent policy decisions made by the incoming administration.