Bicycle paths
In Montréal, bicycle lanes are categorized according to the division of the roadway with motorized vehicles: shared lanes, designated lanes on the same road (bicycle lane) and reserved bicycle paths.
A designated lane constitutes a street or road divided between cyclists and motorists when traffic is not too heavy. The designated lane often does not have any particular arrangement, but it is marked by a sign or by ground indicators.
A bicycle lane is located on the right-hand side of the automobile lanes, generally in a street where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less. It is indicated by a boundary line or a colour, and is identified by signs and reserved lane markings. It is always one-way. Most of the time, cyclists travel in the same direction as the motorists but there are some bicycle lanes that go in the opposite direction.
For the comfort and safety of cyclists, cars are not allowed in this lane (Article 310 of the Highway Safety Code), but motorists can cross the lane to park their vehicles. Cyclists can cross the bike lane to avoid an obstacle or to turn left.
The cycle lanes are open year-round and are ploughed in winter at the same time as the rest of the street.
A bicycle path is physically separate from motorized traffic. It can be reserved for the sole use of cyclists or shared with other non-motorized vehicles. Cycle paths are adapted to the type of area they service.
These paths are physically separated from automobile lanes by a low wall, road islands or delineators (small road signs placed on the road that reflect in the dark). They are generally one way.
Pavement-level cycle path
Separate from the street, these paths are located between the road and the section of the sidewalk reserved for pedestrians, and indicated by marks or pavement of a different colour.
