A new study finds over 1,600 intersections in Montreal pose risks to pedestrians, especially children, due to poor design, speed, and social inequality.
A recent study by Polytechnique Montréal has raised red flags over pedestrian safety in the city, revealing that at least 1,673 intersections are considered unsafe—particularly for children and individuals in lower-income neighborhoods.
The report, based on open data analysis, highlights a concerning reality: while Montreal promotes walkability and public transportation, the infrastructure doesn’t always protect its most vulnerable road users.
High Speeds and Poor Design at the Core of the Problem
Researchers identified high speed limits as the single greatest factor contributing to pedestrian risk. The danger increases sharply on streets where vehicles travel above 40 km/h. For context, a car traveling at 50 km/h requires roughly 13 metres to come to a full stop, while a vehicle at 40 km/h needs just 8.5 metres.
Additionally, 66 percent of child-related pedestrian injuries occur at intersections, with main roads proving especially hazardous. According to the study, design flaws, such as poorly placed crossings and ineffective traffic control, significantly increase risk.
Low-Income Areas Face Greater Danger
The study also highlights the disproportionate risk faced by residents in low-income and socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods, where walking and public transit are more common. These communities, the report notes, are often underfunded and overlooked when it comes to safety upgrades.
“We found that, unfortunately, the neighbourhood with low-income families has more level of danger compared to the wealthier neighbourhood,” said Shabnam Abdollahi, co-author of the report.
Stop Signs More Effective Than Traffic Lights
Contrary to popular belief, researchers found that stop signs provide better safety outcomes at intersections than traffic lights. Drivers are more likely to slow down or stop completely for a stop sign, while they often attempt to beat the red light at signalized crossings—putting pedestrians in greater danger.
Saint-Laurent Identified as a High-Risk Zone
One of the most dangerous boroughs identified is Saint-Laurent, where both students and seniors report feeling unsafe.
“Absolutely not,” said resident Galih Dinanta, when asked if it’s safe for children to cross local streets.
“There’s a lot of bad drivers,” echoed high school student Ashton Demmy Vincent.
At intersections like Décarie Boulevard and Côte-Vertu Street, even proximity to schools hasn’t curbed the danger. Seniors, too, feel at risk, citing speeding and reckless driving as daily hazards.
“This seems to be a great runway,” said Ann Johnson, a local senior, describing how cars treat the streets near schools.
A Call for Action: Safer Streets for All
While redesigning major roads may be a longer-term challenge, researchers suggest simple changes—like adding speed bumps, improved signage, and updated intersection layouts—could immediately improve safety on local streets.
The report ends with a powerful reminder: safe mobility is a fundamental right, particularly for children walking to school or playing in their neighbourhoods. Without meaningful intervention, that right remains out of reach for many Montrealers.
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