Since Valérie Plante became Montreal’s Mayor in 2017, the city’s bike network has expanded by 35 percent, adding 280 kilometers. Currently, Montreal boasts 1,082 kilometers of bike paths. Some residents argue that there might be an excess of bike lanes, with certain mayoral candidates leveraging frustration over cycling infrastructure for political gain.
In the context of heightened climate change concerns among voters in 2025, the dichotomy between bikes and cars is considered misleading. Consequently, mayoral candidates’ positions on bike paths exhibit minimal divergence. Before delving into the cycling-related pledges of the five mayoral contenders, it’s important to understand the impact of bike paths on street parking and businesses.
Research indicates that Montreal’s bike paths do encroach on parking spaces, a sacrifice essential for fostering healthier, more sustainable, and less polluting urban environments. Despite the contention, only 2.3 percent of Montreal’s road space is allocated to bike infrastructure, contrasting starkly with the 97.68 percent designated for cars. Moreover, studies suggest that certain Montreal neighborhoods lack adequate bike infrastructure to cater to high demand effectively.
Converting parking spots to bike lanes in Montreal may not significantly alleviate traffic congestion, as reported by data analytics from Eco-Counter. Notably, several Montreal intersections recorded substantial bike counts in 2024, underscoring the efficiency of bike lanes in urban transportation.
While concerns persist over the loss of parking spots in Montreal due to bike path expansion, evidence from various cities in Canada and the U.S. suggests that improved bike infrastructure generally has a positive or neutral impact on retail and food services. Nevertheless, businesses reliant on car traffic, like auto-repair shops, may experience adverse effects.
Mayoral candidates in Montreal have outlined diverse approaches to addressing the city’s cycling infrastructure. From developing the bike network to reassessing existing paths, each candidate offers a unique perspective. Notably, plans to enhance accessibility to bicycle-sharing services, introduce safety measures, and optimize cycling networks feature prominently in campaign pledges.
As the debate over bike paths continues, Montrealers weigh the benefits of sustainable urban planning against concerns for traditional businesses and parking availability. The 2025 municipal election poses a critical juncture for Montreal’s transportation landscape, with each candidate proposing distinct strategies to navigate the city’s evolving cycling infrastructure challenges.
