Montreal to lower downtown speed limits, add new bike lane on Guy Street

In a set of changes designed to improve mobility and safety in the centre of Montreal, the Ville-Marie borough is lowering speed limits in its territory and will open a new bike lane on Guy Street, linking to Griffintown.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, saying the measures address the evolution in the way people get around downtown.

"Since four out of five people travel on foot, by bike or by shared transportation modes in the borough, it's essential that we improve active and public transit," Plante said.

"It's also important that we lower the risk of accidents, make the streets safer for the most vulnerable people and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Speed limits will be reduced to 30 kilometres per hour on residential streets and 40 kilometres per hour on main streets.

A borough spokesperson said the changes will be adopted Wednesday evening, and the new limits will be introduced via signage between now and the end of the year.

The borough is already working on creating the bicycle lane on Guy. When completed, it will begin at William Street in Griffintown, and connect to the existing path on de Maisonneuve Boulevard.

It is expected to be completed this fall, the spokesperson said.

The city signalled its intention to lower speed limits across Montreal in March under its "Vision Zero" plan to eliminate pedestrian and cyclist deaths.

Over the past several years, a number of boroughs have also reduced speed limits, though critics say it is not enough to limit speeds without increased enforcement by police.