Abstract

Among the leading factors that frustrate bike lane development is the phenomenon known as “bikelash,” which is the organised opposition to bike lane development, usually categorised by
heated emotion. The presence of bikelash can make bike lane developments politically toxic in the public discourse, often leading to the failure to build the bike lane. The Saint-Denis Réseau
Express Vélo (REV) is one artery of the “bike highway” of Montréal that managed to be built despite the presence of bikelash from merchants, politicians and select members of the public. This thesis uses the Saint-Denis REV as a case study to understand why bikelash did not overwhelm this bike lane, despite the intense opposition to this development. Using political communication strategies and merchant subsidy programs, the municipal administration of Montréal was able to overcome bikelash and see the bike lane successfully installed. This thesis will examine the history of this bike lane, the bikelash in response to the development, and how this project managed to survive.