In June 2026, the City of Montreal opened an online consultation aimed at improving and expanding its bike path network. The initiative, intended to gather input from residents, has quickly become a source of controversy as cyclists raise doubts about the survey’s objectivity and the handling of personal information.
Cyclists participating in the consultation have voiced concerns that the questionnaire may not be impartial, fearing that the design of the survey could influence responses in favor of the city’s existing plans. In addition, participants worry that the data they provide could be linked to their identities, potentially exposing personal details without adequate safeguards.
The consultation was launched earlier this month as part of the municipal effort to modernize Montreal’s cycling infrastructure. While the city promotes the online platform as a convenient way for the public to contribute ideas on new lanes and upgrades, the lack of transparent information about how the data will be stored, analyzed, and who will have access to it has prompted a wave of skepticism among the cycling community.
Critics argue that without clear assurances of anonymity, cyclists may be reluctant to share honest feedback, which could undermine the reliability of the consultation results. They also point out that the timing of the survey, coinciding with broader debates on urban mobility, raises questions about whether the city is seeking genuine public input or simply gathering data to support pre‑determined projects.
City officials have not yet released a detailed response to the privacy concerns, and the consultation remains open for submissions. As the deadline approaches, the debate highlights the tension between the desire for expanded bike infrastructure and the need for transparent, privacy‑respecting public engagement processes.
The outcome of the consultation could influence future decisions on bike lane expansions across Montreal, making the resolution of these privacy and impartiality issues a critical factor for both the city’s planners and the cycling community.