Walking around the Plateau this weekend, I was again reminded about the path to nowhere that exists at the corner of Esplanade and Mont Royal Avenues.
It is difficult to imagine that any 'design' has gone into this area. The bike lanes on Esplanade are clearly indicated running across Mont Royal Avenue and, yet, the sidewalk that runs along the east side of Jeanne Mance Park is not designated as multi-use. In addition, in the four block section of Mont Royal Avenue between St. Urbain and Avenue du Parc, there is a stop light at each intersection except at Esplanade where there is not even a stop sign for traffic moving along Mont Royal Avenue.
The city does not provide a very clear indication on its cycling map as to what is expected of cyclists here.
Google Maps actually provides more information in its bike beta version though it is not accurate.
I would suggest the city acknowledge reality and make the east side path somewhat wider with a section for pedestrians and another for cyclists and then create a link across Duluth past the volleyball courts to connect to the bike path at Avenue du Parc just north of Avenue des Pins.
This would follow a line that has been trodden through the grass already by pedestrians and cyclists. It acknowledges the reality that people will take the path of least resistance rather than needlessly climbing the grade along the Rachel bike path through the park and then down again along Avenue du Parc.
Here's hoping it will not be many more springs before hope springs into action.
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