Most streets in Montreal are not safe for pedestrians: study

There are new concerns that Montreal streets and intersections have been built with cars in mind and aren't safe for pedestrians.

A new study from Polytechnique Montreal shows at least 1,673 intersections in the city aren’t safe for pedestrians, particularly for children.

Researchers analyzed several variables that put pedestrians at higher risk based on open data, including speed limits, road class, walking infrastructure and traffic control measures.

On the street, high speed limits are the number one danger factor – the risk level increases sharply above 40 km/h.

Studies have shown that a car’s ability to stop and avoid a collision is drastically reduced when it travels at higher speeds. About 13 metres is required to stop at 50 km/h, whereas only 8.5 metres are required at 40 km/h.

The new report also showed that 66 per cent of child injuries and crashes happen at intersections, and main roads are more accident-prone.

Challenges to redesign

The Polytechnique report found that when it comes to intersections, design is typically the top issue. Researchers also found that money makes all the difference.

“We found that, unfortunately, the neighbourhood with low-income families and the low social demographic factors has more level of danger compared to the wealthier neighbourhood,” said Shabnam Abdollahi, co-author of the report.

People in those areas typically walk more and rely on public transportation, increasing their vulnerability.

The study showed that traffic lights are less effective for safety as stop signs: Drivers are more likely to speed up and beat the red but must come to complete halt at a stop sign.

Finding solutions for main arteries can be a challenge, the researchers say, though local roads can be made safer by adding speed bumps.

‘There’s a lot of bad drivers’

The Saint-Laurent borough is one area where experts found a high number of dangerous streets, which comes as no surprise to residents. Many parents refuse to let their children cross alone.

When asked if he believes it’s safe to let children cross the street, Saint-Laurent resident Galih Dinanta said “absolutely not.”

“It’s really dangerous, so parents and guardians make sure children are safe passing the street,” said Dinanta.

Children are particularly vulnerable on the road as they are less visible and more likely to suffer severe injuries or death in a collision.

But, the report states that the right to travel safely is fundamental for children as they go to school, play with friends, and have been encouraged to become more active through active transportation like walking and cycling.

Dangerous streets take away from that right.

At the intersection of Décarie Boulevard and Côte-Vertu Street, near a school, students say they feel nervous crossing.

“People do be driving crazy, so that can be a little scary,” said Halima Sadgim.

“There’s a lot of bad drivers,” Ashton Demmy Vincent chimed in.

Students aren’t alone in feeling nervous: seniors find the intersection stressful, too.

“Cars could drive normally and not go speeding down the street like maniacs. And this seems to be a great runway,” said Ann Johnson.