The recent Grand Prix Cycliste in the city showcased more than just top cyclists from around the world – it highlighted Montreal’s road conditions. During the 14th edition of the international cycling competition held from Sept. 12-14, attention shifted from the race to the state of the city’s streets.
As riders tackled the challenging Mount Royal ascent, Dutch cyclist Pascal Eenkhoorn’s race was abruptly halted when he hit a raised asphalt patch, emphasizing the road hazards faced by cyclists. This incident has sparked concerns among Montreal residents, with some sharing their own experiences of dangerous road conditions.
Montreal’s road quality isn’t only a concern for professional cyclists; it also impacts new riders. Vélo Québec, a community organization teaching adults how to bike, highlights the added risks posed by poor road conditions to inexperienced cyclists. Magali Bebronne, the program director, stressed the importance of road safety awareness alongside road condition challenges.
Experts attribute Montreal’s problematic pothole repairs to City mismanagement. The city’s auditor general criticized the poor road quality in August, citing inadequate maintenance and upkeep. A significant portion of local streets were reported to be in poor condition, with minimal repairs conducted between 2022 and 2024, according to the audit.
The issue extends beyond cyclists as motorists have also been affected by deteriorating road conditions. Since the beginning of 2025, over a thousand motorists have filed claims for vehicle damage caused by bad roads, almost matching the record number of complaints from 2022. City spokesperson Philippe Sabourin attributed the surge in complaints to temperature fluctuations creating potholes.
To address the ongoing road maintenance challenges, Montreal introduced the Service aux Citoyennes app, allowing residents to report potholes directly for quicker repairs. This initiative aims to provide a more efficient system for residents to alert the city about road issues and receive updates on repairs.
Despite these efforts, Montrealers are advised to remain vigilant while navigating the city’s streets to avoid potential road hazards. The focus on road conditions serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe and well-kept infrastructure for all road users.
