The tragic death of a 14-year-old boy named Al Housseini Diacko who was struck by a car while crossing the street on his scooter in Montreal’s Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough has left his family and community devastated. The accident occurred near Parc Mésy at around 5 p.m., and members of the road safety advocacy group Souliers et vélos fantômes Québec (SVFQ) commemorated the young victim by setting up a “ghost” scooter at the accident site. This incident marks the youngest victim that the group has ever honored, and it has sparked a renewed call for increased road safety measures in the area.
According to a family friend, the area of Lachapelle Street where the accident occurred has a 50 km/h speed limit and is known for speeding traffic. Despite ongoing efforts by residents to push for changes to improve safety, accidents in this location are not uncommon. SVFQ spokesperson Severine Le Page highlighted the concerns of residents, noting that the street is often compared to a highway during the day and a racecourse at night. While pedestrian fatalities in Quebec decreased by 23 percent from 2022 to 2023, advocates stress the importance of continued efforts to address road safety issues and push for governmental action to implement necessary changes.
Residents and advocates in the area are calling for a reduction of the speed limit to 30 km/h on Lachapelle Street, particularly due to the proximity of the park and the high number of children who use the park daily. A petition has been started by residents, including Diacko’s family friend, to advocate for this change and improve safety in the neighborhood. Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has expressed support for increasing the use of photo radars to monitor and enforce speed limits in school zones, recognizing the importance of addressing speeding issues in the city to prevent further tragedies.
Efforts to improve road safety in the area have been met with challenges as residents and advocacy groups have pushed for changes for years without significant progress. The community’s determination to reduce speeding on Lachapelle Street and create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists reflects a broader conversation about the need for governmental support and action to address road safety issues. Montreal borough mayor Émilie Thuillier emphasized the seriousness with which the request to reduce speed on Lachapelle Street is being taken by local authorities, highlighting the need for collaboration with the provincial government to implement effective solutions.
The tragic death of Al Housseini Diacko has drawn attention to the ongoing road safety concerns in Montreal and the need for immediate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The efforts of residents, advocacy groups, and local authorities to address speeding and improve safety measures reflect a collective commitment to creating safer streets for all members of the community. By advocating for changes such as reducing speed limits, implementing photo radars, and enhancing infrastructure to protect pedestrians and cyclists, stakeholders are working towards creating a more secure and sustainable urban environment for everyone.
