Montreal Cyclists Will Be Able To Cross Intersections At Some Red Lights Starting Tomorrow
Starting tomorrow, April 18, Quebec's new Highway Safety Code will be coming into effect.
One of the most interesting impacts of the bill will be the new liberties granted to cyclists. Starting tomorrow, cyclists will be able to follow pedestrian lights. This means that cyclists will be able to cross an intersection at a red light so long as the pedestrian light is lit.
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TL;DR Starting tomorrow, cyclists will be able to follow pedestrian lights. This means that cyclists will be able to cross an intersection at a red light so long as the pedestrian light is lit.
We have already reported on the many effects the updated code will have on the way that people drive, from how they use their phones to what rules drivers must respect when driving with young children on board.
It should also be noted that the bill will have important impacts on cyclists as well as drivers.
The Highway Code has several strict rules that cyclists must follow. For example, all bikes must be fitted with:
- one white reflector at the front;
- one red reflector at the rear;
- one amber or white reflector on each pedal;
- an amber or white reflector attached to the spokes on the front wheel, and
- a red or white reflector attached to the spokes on the back wheel.
The new rule reagarding intersections is likely to be met with joy among cyclists and contempt among Montreal drivers, who have long complained about inconsiderate bikers.
Granted, crossing according to pedestrian rules is already common practice amongst Montreal cyclists.
The Highway Code mentions that cyclists must still yield to pedestrians when crossing the intersection, as pedestrians still have right of way.
