The Center Hospital de l’Université de Montréal is taking drastic measures to prevent the express bike lane from being set up in front of the ambulance entrance by giving formal notice to the City of Montreal. But the latter promises to be safe.
• Read more: REV in Saint-Denis, good or bad?
Photo by QMI Agency, Mario Beauregard
An unprotected bike lane currently runs in front of the CHUM Ambulance entrance. The city of Montreal wants to make it part of the Réseau express vélo.
“We often have ambulances come with their flashing lights and have to enter the garage. If there are a lot of bikes, we create a very dangerous situation,” explains Daniel Fleury, CHUM’s vice president and CEO.
The plant management intends to build a new section of Reso Express Velo (REV) on the north side of rue Vicar between Beaver Hall and Perry.
A bike path has already passed in front of the hospital center at this location for 12 years, but the CHUM and the Syndicat du prehospitalier are concerned about the increase in traffic caused by the REV.
Great stuff
After learning that part of the work would begin this summer, CHUM sent a letter to management expressing its disagreement. She didn’t answer.
“We’re putting out a formal notice to tell them to stop work, and we want to sit down with them and discuss it,” says Daniel Fleury.
Ville-Marie City Councilor Robert Beaudry said he was surprised and disappointed by the methods used by the hospital center.
“We are ready to continue to propose accommodations, but it cannot be a result of disallowance every time,” he said, indicating that CHUM had rejected all proposals.
“There is no compromise on access to garages for ambulances and we are ready to work with them to find solutions,” said Mr. Beaudry adds.
He argues that the REV plan would only preserve the current bike lane.
- Listen to Patrick Terry’s interview with Robert Beaudry on QUB Radio:
Detour requested
Above all, CHUM wants to move the division. An opportunity rejected by the city.
“If we take a detour on another street, most cyclists won’t take it and prefer to continue straight, even if it puts them at risk”, believes Robert Beaudry.
According to Vélo Québec, the REV program will provide safety for all users, including ambulances.
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