Province seeks input on bikes lanes, cyclists push back

The provincial government launched a portal to submit concerns about bike lanes in municipalities on July 15, a day before Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen met with concerned residents about a proposed bike lane in Capilano.

Edmonton city council voted on July 7 to change the design of that project to maintain travel lanes and some parking after community pushback.

In response to the provincial portal and the design change, cyclists organized a group ride around Capilano on July 16 aimed at demonstrating the need for safe infrastructure for active transportation.

"There were 11 pedestrian deaths in Edmonton last year, one of which was a cyclist because a car hit him," said Olivia Menard of Ward Métis Bikes. "We deserve to get around safely as well. Freedom comes in all forms."

The provincial web portal says the submitted feedback will be used to inform future policy decisions. Dreeshen said in May that legislation is coming this fall that would give the province more power to review or remove bike lanes. He told CBC this week that he expects the form to help the province detect "the most problematic bike lanes."

The portal says "concerns have been raised that municipal bike lane initiatives, particularly those involving traffic lane removal, may compromise road capacity, increase congestion, and hinder the efficient movement of vehicles, goods, and emergency services." The form asks where the bike lane is located and what concerns it raises, such as reduced parking, cost for taxpayers, low use, access to businesses and homes, or increased congestion or commute times. "It seems very directed towards a certain outcome," Calgary's Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt told CBC.

As a countermeasure, Bike Edmonton is encouraging residents to write emails in support of bike lanes. A suggested message to Dreeshen on the organization's website posits that active transportation infrastructure is safe and inexpensive, while increasing customer spending at businesses. It also points out the importance of municipal autonomy.