The YouTube channel OhTheUrbanity also observed that for Montreal’s REV network (dedicated, physically-separated on-street bike paths), ambulances are often able to use the REV when the adjacent one-way auto lane is impassable due to heavy traffic. This is possible because the REV has 8 ft (2.4 m) lanes as standard, and bicyclists – albeit minorly inconvenienced – can clear from the lane quicker than automobiles can.
It certainly shouldn’t become standard practice for ambulances to drive on bike lanes, but it showcases that dedicating space to smaller, nimble modes of transport has unique upsides. On a fully pedestrianized street, it’s patently obviously that an ambulance will be able to get through unimpeded, barring maybe navigating around bollards.
100%!
The YouTube channel OhTheUrbanity also observed that for Montreal’s REV network (dedicated, physically-separated on-street bike paths), ambulances are often able to use the REV when the adjacent one-way auto lane is impassable due to heavy traffic. This is possible because the REV has 8 ft (2.4 m) lanes as standard, and bicyclists – albeit minorly inconvenienced – can clear from the lane quicker than automobiles can.
It certainly shouldn’t become standard practice for ambulances to drive on bike lanes, but it showcases that dedicating space to smaller, nimble modes of transport has unique upsides. On a fully pedestrianized street, it’s patently obviously that an ambulance will be able to get through unimpeded, barring maybe navigating around bollards.