Bicycle paths open longer

"Even this winter, we tried to clear the bicycle path so that it could be open all year," said Ahuntsic-Cartierville spokesperson Marie-Élaine Ladouceur, adding that the network would now be accessible until November 15, instead of November 1.

Cyclists from Ahuntsic-Cartierville have access, in their borough to 33 km of pathways. The bicycle tracks are located on Christophe-Colomb Avenue and Gouin Boulevard. These two pathways are regularly maintained, similar to the upkeep on the streets. The network does not escape from the spring blitz presently in progress.

On April 2, the borough council adopted a request to the Quebec Ministry of Transport for a subsidy within the framework of the Financial Assistance Program for ‘Route verte’ Maintenance.

A part of the pathway on Gouin Boulevard and alongside Christophe-Colomb Avenue are integrated into the Quebec ‘Route verte’ Network. The subsidy program is offered to each municipality having a portion of the ‘Route verte’ on its territory. Ahuntsic-Cartierville made a request for financial assistance each year for the regular maintenance of its sections. That includes the cleaning of pathways in the spring and summer, as well as the repair of potholes.

A cyclist who would go to Mont-Laurier starting from Ahuntsic-Cartierville would have travelled 250 km. They could initially take the segment connecting the Perry Island Bridge to the City of Laval, which was completed in 2005 and then head towards Sainte-Thérèse. In this sector, a short segment remains to be completed, but the restorations do not prevent users from taking the route. The longest part of the pathway is in the P' tit train du nord Park.

The ‘Route verte’ is the idea of Vélo Québec, along with the provincial government and regional partners. In June 1995, Vélo Quebec announced the start of this project. (Translated by Michael Beigleman)