2023-12-02 23:55:07
Projections, a type of urban design for sidewalks, are increasingly used in the central districts of Quebec. Although primarily intended to improve pedestrian safety, the protrusions sometimes pose problems for motorists.
Five drivers were involved in an accident with an overhang on Boulevard de l’Entente, in the Saint-Sacrement district, in Quebec. One of them, Louis-Sébastien Laflamme, whose vehicle was damaged, believes that the City of Quebec is responsible.
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A broken marker on the sidewalk overhang tore a tire from Louis-Sébastien Laflamme’s car.
Photo: Courtesy of Louis-Sébastien Laflamme
My two wheels on the right side are destroyed, with both tires literally exploding. And we don’t yet know the mechanical damage. We are down to $6,000 for repair costs at the garage, laments Louis-Sébastien Laflamme.
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The protrusions sometimes cause problems for motorists.
Photo: Louis-Sébastien Laflamme, resident of Quebec
We saw this progress in concrete. No one understood what it was like, without a beacon, without signage, without a reflector, without a light. In the evening we see absolutely nothing. All the cars pass close to hitting him or hit him, he says.
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The protrusions sometimes cause problems for motorists.
Photo: Louis-Sébastien Laflamme, resident of Quebec
Problems with directions and signage
However, the projections were intended to improve visibility for motorists and pedestrians. Bertrand Gemme, the president of the Saint-Sacrement neighborhood council, believes that it is not the projection in itself that is problematic, but rather the lack of signage. When the cones were not there, it was not visible, especially in the evening. It’s very dangerous, he judges.
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Bertrand Gemme is the president of the Saint-Sacrement Neighborhood Council
Photo : Radio-Canada / Magalie Masson
In addition, the ground markings have not been adjusted with the new projections. With the snow falling in recent days, what remains of the markings is hidden.
The phenomenon is aggravated by the fact that the projection is just at the exit of a curve and a slope, explains Paul MacKey, urban planner and director of Ruesécure. Despite the criticism, when they are done well, the projections have their reason for being, according to him.
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Paul MacKey, urban planning expert.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Magalie Masson
In the latest revision of the Highway Safety Code, they removed the ban on parking less than 5 meters from a stop sign, but this causes enormous problems with visibility, believes Mr. Mackey.
For the organization Access Transport Viables, this type of development does indeed contribute to protecting pedestrians. The general director, Marie-Soleil Gagné, recalls that the death toll among pedestrians was high in 2022. We experienced the year when we had the most deaths. 79 deaths of pedestrians. The highest number of deaths in the last 15 years.
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Marie-Soleil Gagné, general director of the organization Accès transports viable.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Magalie Masson
The City of Quebec states that the development of projections does not usually require the installation of visual markers, because vehicles are parked on either side. The municipal administration promises to make those on Boulevard de l’Entente more visible.
According to the report by Magalie Masson
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