Montreal bike lane consultation sparks backlash over changes, privacy concerns
Montreal bike lane consultation sparks backlash over changes, privacy concerns
Publish Date: 2026-07-02 14:37:00
Source Domain: cyclingmagazine.ca
Another day in the bike lane drama that seems to never end in this country. And like so many times in the past few years, it’s happening in Montreal. (Don’t worry, Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax, and so many other places have been mired in this kind of thing. It’s definitely equal opportunity when it comes to this stuff.)
A city that was lauded for its cycling infrastructure and commitment to rider safety for a decade has become somewhat of a hotbed for some bike lane debacles of late, and it is safe to say this is a result of a new administration. The previous one, under Mayor Valérie Plante, did all kinds of stuff—bike lanes, paths, bike-share expansions—but the new one under Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada seems to want to stop that, and even undo existing or future planned work.
The latest is that Montreal’s online consultation on the future of the city’s cycling network has come under fire after mid-survey changes and a privacy issue left some cyclists questioning the process.
The survey
According to CBC, the survey was launched to gather feedback for Montreal’s next cycling plan, expected in 2027. But it was briefly taken offline before returning with several changes. That included something a little weird. What was it, you ask? Oh, just a new option allowing participants to recommend removing bike lanes rather than simply suggesting improvements.
Local cyclists clap back
The revisions drew criticism from members of the cycling community, who argued the updated survey shifted the focus away from expanding safe cycling infrastructure. Some riders said offering the option to eliminate bike lanes could inflame divisions instead of encouraging constructive feedback.
“We would never ask citizens which libraries or public swimming pools should be closed,” Velo Quebec spokesperson Magali Bebronne said. “Why, then, would a consultation on a cycling plan ask which bike lanes should be removed?”
The consultation also expanded eligibility to…
