WINTER CYCLING: THE EXAMPLE OF MONTREAL Mr. Marc-André Gadoury, City councillor, Official in charge of cycling for the administration of the Mayor of Montreal February 03, 2016
1. Introduction: Presentation of Montreal 2. Brief History of the Bike Path Network 3. Tools in Development 4. Current Practices for Network Maintenance 5. Factors Influencing the Use of Bikes in Winter Conditions 6. Means Used to Promote Cycling in Winter 7. Conclusion
1. Introduction Population 1,813,000 Area 500 km2 Island length 50 km Island width 16 km Population density 3,625 / km2 19 boroughs 15 linked municipalities
Average annual precipitation Weather conditions in some of the major Canadian and European cities Average annual precipitation Snowfall (cm) Total precipitation (mm) Days with precipitation (number) Edmonton 121.4 482.7 124.1 Montreal 217.5 978.9 163.3 Ottawa 235.7 943.5 162.6 Toronto 115.4 792.7 145.5 Vancouver 48.2 1,199 166.1 Winnipeg 110.6 513.7 123.5 Amsterdam Trace 776 185 Copenhagen 50 613 113 Oulu 430 433 182 Montreal receives an average of 217 cm (seven feet) of snow during the winter months. The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of -5.7 C (22 F) and a minimum average temperature of -14.7 C (5.5 F).
Montreal is 4,100 km of streets 6,500 km of sidewalks 713 km of bike paths (partly in the street) Snow removal statistics: 65 salt spreading sorties 15 snow clearings 5 loadings 140,000 tons of salt 12,500,000 m3 of snow removed
Montreal invests in its bike path network. For the year 2016, investments are in the order of $ 15M 52 Development projects; 20 Upgrade projects; Innovative projects such as; reserved bike lanes, traffic lights reserved for cyclists; All new and upgraded projects are 4 seasons;
2. History of the Bike Path Network 1985
The White Network to the four seasons bike
Number of kilometres of bike paths maintained in winter The bike path network of the City of Montreal (19 boroughs) spans a little over 640 kilometres. Of these, 410 kilometres are cycling facilities that are found in the streets and 395 kilometres are cleared of snow in winter, almost 95% of the bike path network in the streets. Since the 2014-2015 winter, the portion of the bike path network that is cleared of snow has increased by 12%. Number of kilometres of bike paths cleared of snow Period Number of kilometres 2012-2013 63 2013-2014 70 2014-2015 351 2015-2016 395
2016: Establishment of a Project Office The establishment of a Project Office will allow: " " 1. The implementation of 50 km of bike paths / year" 2. The implementation of design concepts for bike paths (bike boxes, through bike lanes, traffic light synchronization for cyclists, priority signals for cyclists, reserved BUS / BIKES lanes, etc.)" 3. The research and development of new measures to promote cycling (bike boulevard, security at intersection, etc.)" 4. The upgrade of the existing bike path network must convert seasonal bike paths in four seasons bike paths" 5. The development of the four seasons bike path" 6. The development of preferential measures for buses and bikes (BPM) at a rate of 50 km / year" An investment of $ 15M in the Triennial Immobilization Program
3. Development Tools To facilitate the planning of the development of the bike path network and to further meet the real needs of cyclists; Count: Add smart meters (daily reports, data analysis.) Inform: Web Apps (info-neige, MonRésoVélo ) Communicate: Interaction Discussions with the cycling community. Eco-Counter
4. Current Practices for Bike Path Network Maintenance Boroughs (19): Maintenance of the bike path network. Central Services: Steers corporate projects and activities in support of operations, publishes the map and manages the research and development work.
Snow removal by the type of cycling facility Designated roadway 94% Bike lanes 96% Exclusive bike paths 3% Bike paths in streets 31%
Benco type sidewalk vehicle Functions: Spreading Plowing the snow Mini tractor loader Function: Snow removal during loading
5. Factors Influencing the Use of Bikes in Winter Cold; Types of precipitation; Wind (gusts); snow clearing information; condition consistency; Visibility; Glare;
The main challenges and issues: Adapting (improving) the snow removal methods to better meet the needs of cyclists; Fostering harmonious coexistence among users; Dealing with changing climate conditions; Raising public awareness to the benefits of cycling.
6. Means Used to Promote Cycling in Winter The Snow Removal Policy is; 1. The harmonization of practices and levels of services provided 2. The characterization of streets according to prioritization criteria 3. The improvement of the environmental performance of operations In order to ensure efficient, fluid and safe transport for all users travelling on public roads
Bike paths and the Snow Removal Policy Bike paths provided in streets and identified by road markings as well as bike paths separated from traffic using a physical element, such as a concrete mall, benefit from the same level of service provided to the roadway on which they are located on.
Montreal seeks to provide better conditions so that a higher number of people opt for trips using four seasons bikes! Thank you,