Debate over Montreal West Island park bike ban

With warm weather comes long walks and bike rides for many Montrealers, but Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) residents won’t be able to ride their bikes this summer in Centennial park after tensions between pedestrians and cyclists forced a bike ban.

This is still a heated debate among residents.

“It’s a big enough park and it’s beautiful why not it’s a place to exercise whether you’re walking or using a bicycle I think people should take advantage however they wish,” said Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) resident Tara Azarbrar.

“I think everyone is responsible enough whether they’re adults or with their kids, to take a side or to announce that they’re coming to the right or to the left, I never saw any arguments between cyclists or pedestrians.

“There’s definitely enough space for everyone to coexist and when it does get crowded it’s around the bbq area and never saw any issues there even if it gets crowded everybody is nice and friendly,” said Azarbar.

Montreal West Island park bike ban. (Photo: CityNews)

“This park is for everyone,” said Pierrefonds resident Meriam Prajamac. “Why not it’s a big place I mean they don’t bother anybody they just stay on the side.”

“It’s also a lot safer than biking on the streets that’s why I’m also really sad about that,” said Pierrefonds resident and cyclist Elena Fidalgoladha.

“I think it’s really unfortunate because so many times I come here and I’d want to bike through the park it’s a nice trail it’s more fun than walking I love biking,” said Fidalgoladha.

Hundreds of peoples commented on our post about the issue, many with divided opinions.

Montreal West Island park bike ban. (Photo: CityNews)

Some we spoke to off-camera said they’ve encountered issues and dangerous situations with cyclists while walking.

One Facebook user saying, “Perfect idea and since they implemented this policy I no longer get clipped by bikes”

And another: “No bikers please. It feels so good to enjoy a nice stroll around the lake without being frightened and harassed by bikers zipping left and right.”

The rule has been in place for the past two years, the city says the pandemic cause a high influx of park-goers and added cyclists posed a security threat to pedestrians.

“Now the regulations have gone down there’s less people in certain places because people have more opportunity to actually leave their houses and go to other places and so i think it wouldn’t be so much butting heads anymore,” said Amrita Karar.

“If it was for the pandemic look there’s no one here today,” said Fidalgoladha.

Montreal West Island park sign. (Photo: CityNews)

Many say there’s a way for both cyclists and pedestrians to get along.

“There’s so much room this park is so big there’s so many people that live here like families young families kids who are learning how to bike,” said Karar.

“I think just a friendly reminder to watch your speed would be more than enough,” said Azarbar.

“They have to put a limit like not too fast because there’s a lot of kids,” said Prajamac.

Others say clear designated paths would be the best solution.

“I do think there should be a trail for walking and a trail for biking so there’s maybe not accidents,” said Fidalgoladha.

In a statement to CityNews, DDO Mayor Alex Bottausci said the municipality plans and wishes to welcome both pedestrians and cyclists at the park in a safe manner, but bikes will remain banned for now until a cohabitation strategy is worked out.