Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in Vancouver, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec

02 Jun Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in Vancouver, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec

Vancouver, British Columbia, is characterized by peaceful, green neighbourhoods with a street grid that prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists while still allowing access by car. Eric Post, from NCCC member Mobycon, explores the strategies employed by the city to keep high-speed traffic off of local streets. While there’s always room for improvement – particularly in the North American context – Vancouver is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in Canada. Traffic speed and volume are two of the most important variables in determining the quality of a cycling environment, and Vancouver’s local streets effectively manage both.

On the other side of the country, Melissa Bruntlett has been checking out developments in Quebec. In Montréal, the City is moving quickly to transform former “Covid-bike lanes” into permanent connections in their ever-expanding cycling network. Most of the conversations with local staff and advocates focused on the expansion of the Réseau express vélo (REV), a 184-km cycle path project that will expand coverage throughout the city, including several routes that will remain open year-round.

There are a lot of great things happening in Québec around mobility. In the capital city, traffic-calmed community bikeways are expanding to connect the residential areas to the University campuses and business centre, to much fanfare from residents who appreciate the reduced traffic and calmer community.