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Banner calls for Montrealers to consider cyclist safety when voting in municipal elections

WATCH ABOVE: Montreal commuters are being asked to consider cyclist safety when voting in the municipal elections. Global's Billy Shields reports – Nov 1, 2017

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

READ MORE: Do you fit in one of these four Montreal cyclist categories?

The banner appears to ask commuters to consider cyclist safety when voting in the Nov. 5 municipal elections.

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Neither incumbent mayor Denis Coderre, nor Projet Montréal leader Valérie Plante responded to Global News’ request for comment.

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