The planned bike path on Rue Hochelaga will be significantly shortened, ending at Boulevard Lacordaire rather than reaching Highway 25 as originally intended. The administration of Soraya Martinez Ferrada has removed nearly one-third of the initial route to address citizen concerns regarding traffic fluidity.
Reduced Scope and Project Specifications
Originally announced by the administration of Valérie Plante, the Hochelaga project includes the installation of one-way bike paths on both sides of the street. The infrastructure will feature specific marking, bollards, protection islands, and concrete curbs.
According to a city information note, the bike path will now span approximately 4.3 kilometers, which represents two-thirds of the 6.5 kilometers originally planned. While the first three phases of the project will proceed, the final eastern segment from Boulevard Lacordaire to Highway 25 has been cancelled.
Implementation Timeline
The first segment of the project, located between Rue du Havre and Rue Desjardins, is expected to be inaugurated this spring. The link between the Desjardins and Viau axes will be developed following the next phase.
The section between Rue Viau and Boulevard Lacordaire is scheduled for completion by 2029. This timeline is designed to align with a Hydro-Québec construction site currently developing a fresh electrical transformation station.
To reach the Réseau express vélo (REV) Souligny, cyclists will instead use the path on Avenue Lacordaire heading south and the path on Rue Louis-Veuillot heading north.
Political and Safety Dispute
Alexandre Devaux-Guizani, the municipal councillor for the Maisonneuve–Longue-Pointe district with Ensemble Montréal, stated that citizens expressed concerns about fluidity during campaign door-knocking last autumn. He argued against duplicating paths when others exist on nearby streets, suggesting the city should instead prioritize potholes and cleanliness.
However, Sarah V. Doyon, a municipal councillor for the Hochelaga district with Projet Montréal, criticized this reasoning. She argued that the city does not apply the same logic to the road network and described Rue Hochelaga as an urban highway
where safety improvements are critical.
Doyon pointed to underserved locations including a high school, daycares, and a mental health institute. Jean-François Rheault, CEO of Vélo-Québec, also expressed disappointment, stating that the decision cancels the securitization of an axis that needs it
.
Potential Implications
The current administration’s approach to urban mobility may lead to further adjustments in the city’s cycling network. This shift is already evident, as the administration of Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has also announced the suspension of a REV axis project on Boulevard Lacordaire.
Future developments could see a continued prioritization of road maintenance and automotive flow over the expansion of the sustainable transport network in this sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Hochelaga bike path shortened?
The administration of Soraya Martinez Ferrada stated the change was made to respond to citizen concerns regarding traffic fluidity.
How long is the new bike path compared to the original plan?
The path will be approximately 4.3 kilometers long, whereas the original plan called for 6.5 kilometers.
When will the different sections be completed?
The segment between Rue du Havre and Rue Desjardins is expected to open this spring, while the section between Rue Viau and Boulevard Lacordaire is slated for completion by 2029.
Do you believe urban planning should prioritize the fluidity of car traffic or the expansion of protected cycling networks?
