COVID-19 – More room to move and maintain physical distancing along rue Jacques-Cartier

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Ville de Gatineau

News release

COVID-19 – More room to move and maintain physical distancing along rue Jacques-Cartier

Gatineau, June 19, 2020. – Gatineau�has introduced traffic changes along certain sections of rue Jacques-Cartier to provide more room for pedestrians and cyclists. These adjustments will�help everyone stay active while maintaining sanitary measures during the pandemic.

The measures aim to provide a safe environment and to optimize access for all users. They come into effect today, and will remain so for the rest of the summer.

Quick facts

●	Specific signage has been installed to safely accommodate all users.

●	The changes include a temporary bicycle street and a shared street on certain portions. These concepts were recently added to the Highway Safety Code, and will be implemented in Gatineau for the first time.

●	On bicycle streets: - the speed limit is 30 km/h; - cyclists can use the whole road, following the flow of traffic, and can ride side by side; and - drivers must leave a safe space for cyclists if they need to pass.

●	On shared streets: - the speed limit is 20 km/h; - pedestrians have the priority, and can walk on the road and cross anywhere; - cyclists must yield to pedestrians; and - drivers must yield to pedestrians and cyclists, and leave a safe space for cyclists and pedestrians if they need to pass.

●	There will be no more through-traffic on rue Jacques-Cartier. Drivers are encouraged to avoid that street.

●	Visitors should get to rue Jacques-Cartier on foot or by bike as much as possible. Those who drive there can get to parking via ruelle du Como.

●	Businesses and restaurants remain accessible.

●	There is no parking along rue Jacques-Cartier other than for permit holders.

●	Pedestrians have the priority on the multi-use path, Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and slow down to 20 km/h.

●	These temporary traffic measures required an amendment to by-law 300-2006 concerning traffic and parking. This amendment was passed by the Municipal Council on June 9.

Temporary traffic measures

●	A temporary bicycle street has been set up between Prince-Albert and Saint-Louis.

●	The shared street concept is in place between Saint-Antoine and des Montgolfi�res. Only local traffic going west is permitted.

●	Boulevard Gr�ber to rue Saint-Antoine is now one-way eastward. On this portion, the south lane is now a two-way reserved lane for cyclists.

●	Montgolfi�res to Prince-Albert is closed to automobiles, and is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians have the priority.

●	For details of these temporary changes, go to gatineau.ca.

Quotes

�Over the past few months, our day-to-day lives have been greatly disrupted by the pandemic. There have been more and more pedestrians and cyclists on rue Jacques-Cartier over the past few weeks. We would like to provide a safe environment where people can stay active while maintaining physical distancing. To that end, we have introduced traffic changes to prioritize active transportation over the summer,� indicated Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin.

�These measures will provide more room for pedestrian and cyclists while accommodating the needs of local residents. The changes will enable everyone to make the most of this street in more ways: a blend of practical and pleasant ways to rediscover businesses and restaurants along the river. Enjoy getting out and be sure to read the new signs!� added Pointe-Gatineau Municipal Councillor Myriam Nadeau.

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