TRANSPORTATION. The Minister of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault, confirmed via press release that the pilot project for a two-way central lane roadway, also called “chaucidou”, could be launched in Bromont.
“We are proud to announce a first in Quebec, the installation of a gentle traffic roadway (chaucidou) here in Bromont,” declared the mayor of Bromont, Louis Villeneuve. This innovative project demonstrates our commitment to promoting sustainable mobility solutions and inspiring action in our community and beyond. The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has given us its support by modifying the Road Safety Code and its standards, nothing less. »
“Our government is always looking for innovation in traffic management to ensure safe travel,” said Minister Guilbault. “This is a first in Quebec, and could inspire other cities looking for solutions to promote the safety of cyclists and other vulnerable users in a location where traditional cycling options are limited.”
“I welcome the initiative of the City of Bromont, which will act as a pioneer by paving the way for the implementation of this type of development on its municipal road network,” added the Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi, Isabelle Charest. This test fills a need expressed by the Municipality, and it constitutes an opportunity to promote an active mode of transportation for citizens. »
The announcement of the upcoming arrival of the “chaucidou” on Chemin de Lotbinière caused a lot of ink to flow when the project was unveiled by the City of Bromont in May 2023.
The pilot project was due to begin in August 2023, but the MTQ had put the brakes on, “in order to allow the ministry […] to carry out a more exhaustive analysis of the project,” the City then indicated.
“Our teams of engineers, as well as many collaborators, have worked tirelessly to ensure its success,” continued Mayor Villeneuve. “Every aspect has been carefully studied to guarantee the safety and efficiency of this new development. It is also encouraging to see that other cities have already expressed interest in our initiative by contacting our team, and we will be very happy to share the relevant information with them.”
« CHAUCIDOU »
A “chaucidou”, a contraction of “gentle traffic roadway”, is a road with a central two-way lane reserved for vehicles and two wide shoulders dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians.
When two cars traveling in opposite directions cross paths, they must safely encroach on the shoulders, demarcated by dotted lines, before continuing on their way.
This type of road has been built in several places, including in the Netherlands, the United States and elsewhere in the country.
The idea of establishing a “chaucidou” on Chemin de Lotbinière arose following a request from residents of the neighborhood to reduce the speed there, even before the last municipal election, reported the mayor of Bromont, Louis Villeneuve.
“The engineers from whom we asked for recommendations before making this decision told us at the time to leave it at 70 km/h because just putting up 50 km/h signs would create a false sense of security, which which would have been dangerous for citizens, he reported. From there, we went to the drawing board to find solutions to reduce the speed. »
“We need to have a low flow of motorized vehicles, that is, an average daily flow of vehicles below 3,000,” explained the City’s project manager, Marc-Alexandre Drolet. “With the Lotbinière sector, we’re talking about 500 vehicles/day. We’re also aiming for lane width criteria, that is, a minimum of six metres, which is the case for Lotbinière.”
