A banner hanging at the intersection of Saint-Denis and des Carrières streets is reminding commuters of how risky cycling under the overpass can be.
READ MORE: Montreal cyclists take part in ride of silence
“The bikes will go really close to the cars. It’s really, really tight here,” said Marie-Eve Vézina, who walks to work in the area.
The banner, written in French, says: “A lot of words, but little action,” and includes an election voting hashtag.
Despite the fact that the banner uses a Vélo-Québec slogan, the organization’s spokesperson insisted they weren’t behind it.
READ MORE: City of Montreal wants safer streets for cyclists and cars
So far, no one has stepped forward to claim responsibility.
In 2014, 33-year-old cyclist Mathilde Blais was struck and killed by a truck passing under the overpass.
After her death, borough officials said cyclists would no longer be forced to ride on the road in the area, but could also use the sidewalk.
READ MORE: Family of Mathilde Blais calls for new bike safety rules
“It’s still not really safe,” said Vézina.
“On the sidewalk, [the bikes] have difficulty getting around. On the road, there are so many cars.”
Some commuters think there should be a safer alternative than squishing pedestrians and cyclists together.
“Maybe a lane. A specific lane for the bikes,” suggested Julien Tabbe.
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The banner appears to ask commuters to consider cyclist safety when voting in the Nov. 5 municipal elections.
Neither incumbent mayor Denis Coderre, nor Projet Montréal leader Valérie Plante responded to Global News’ request for comment.
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