Only crossing at an
intersection equipped with a set of lights, and running, is like wearing a sandwich board that says in foot-high letters, "I AM FROM
ONTARIO".
Cross the street where it's most convenient and car-free. How? Wait until there is a break in traffic (and fortunately Montreal's system of one-way downtown streets affords pedestrians this at the very least) and walk confidently across. Look both ways, then stick your faux-frenchie nose up high, keep saying to yourself "Je suis as cool as a frenchie", and adjudge that the closest approaching vehicle will pass at least 1 second after you're safely to the other side.