History of Citizen Requests

Vélo Québec recalls an already identified priority

In an OCPM consultation on Montreal’s Urban Plan, Vélo Québec recalls that the corridor was already among the priorities identified in Le vélo pour la ville, published in 2001. The organization explicitly writes that “the development of a bike lane on Park Avenue” appears essential, with proper design standards for new segments.

Reference: Vélo Québec, brief submitted to the OCPM on Montreal's Urban Plan

A corridor already heavily used by cyclists

In L’état du vélo au Québec en 2010 - Zoom sur Montréal, Vélo Québec indicates that the Park Avenue bikeway counted about 1,700 cyclists per day in fall 2010, with significant northbound use. The document explains that this corridor notably complements Saint-Urbain, which operates southbound.

Reference: Vélo Québec, L'état du vélo au Québec en 2010 - Zoom sur Montréal

The ghost bike becomes a public marker

In 2021, the installation of a ghost bike on Park Avenue starkly recalled the human cost of the corridor and gave concrete visibility to requests for calming and safety improvements.

Reference: Le Devoir, “Un vélo fantôme installé à la mémoire du cycliste mort”

Yaakov Austerlitz’s death underscores the urgency for pedestrians

On November 4, 2024, 11-year-old Yaakov Austerlitz was fatally struck by a turning truck at the intersection of Park Avenue and Bernard Avenue. His death is a tragic reminder of the need to make walking far safer along Park Avenue.

“For the community, it’s a tragedy beyond words. And the community is in mourning. We’re a very tight-knit, close community. And it’s very sad.”

Mayer Feig, activist and volunteer paramedic for the Hassidic Jewish community in the Mile-End

References: Le Devoir, “Un enfant de 11 ans décède après avoir été happé par un camion” · CityNews, safety at the Parc Avenue and Bernard Street intersection

A die-in denounces road violence

On September 8, 2025, a die-in reported by La Presse became another strong public moment to denounce road violence and remind people that requests to calm Park Avenue are part of a very real mobilization.

Reference: La Presse, “Un die-in pour dénoncer la violence routière”

The coroner calls for a continuous and safe cycling corridor

In investigation report 2025-06977, coroner Marie-Claude Boutin recommends that the City of Montreal review the allocation of traffic lanes on Park Avenue to allow a continuous and safe cycling link. She also calls for traffic-calming measures and the gradual redesign of the avenue to ensure safe coexistence between cyclists, motor vehicles and public transit.

Reference: Bureau du coroner, investigation report 2025-06977

Let’s calm Park Avenue

The site serves as a rallying point: centralizing data, gathering support and publishing a clear request for a calmer avenue.