Aryana Soliz, a PhD candidate in Sociology and Anthropology whose research focuses on cycling infrastructures in small to medium-sized cities, has published an opinion piece in the Montreal Gazette.
In the op-ed, Soliz discusses Verdun's new bike lanes and how they can create a safer environment for both cyclists and drivers. The two-year pilot project on Verdun street will take place on a seasonal basis.
While addressing the controversy that usually comes with the removal of additional parking spots, Soliz explains the benefits of such a move.
"Not only do dedicated cycling lanes improve safety for cyclists, they also make the roads safer for everyone by calming traffic," she writes. "Studies from across North America show that the addition of cycling lanes leads to a 20-to-50-per-cent reduction in traffic injuries for all road users."