A Calgary councillor is calling for a temporary pause on some new on-street bike lane projects while the Alberta government prepares legislation that could increase provincial oversight of municipal cycling infrastructure. Coun. Dan McLean introduced a notice of motion at the city’s executive committee Monday, asking the city to halt the design, procurement and construction of new on-street bicycle lanes or cycle tracks that would remove vehicle lanes or significantly reduce parking. The pause would remain in place until the province introduces its legislation and city council has an opportunity to review it. McLean said the move is aimed at avoiding spending on projects that may need to be altered to meet future provincial requirements. “We’ve got an affordability crisis. We have to watch every dollar,” he said. “Let’s pause, review, and again, the province ultimately is the arbiter that will tell us… they have the authority to say stop. I’m just getting ahead of the game.” In a statement, Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said the province supports cycling infrastructure under certain conditions. “Alberta’s government supports bike infrastructure when it is safe, well-planned, integrated into the broader transportation network and does not reduce existing roadway capacity,” Dreeshen said. He added the province has received more than 14,000 submissions through its bike lane feedback portal, noting “highly problematic bike lanes” have been identified in some communities. Dreeshen said feedback will be reviewed alongside technical analysis, municipal data and other evidence as the government develops its policy approach. McLean said his proposal would not halt all active transportation work. Projects such as pathway connections, multi-use pathways, sidewalks, accessibility improvements and off-street cycling infrastructure would continue. He said he supports alternative transportation options but believes some cycle track projects have created issues, pointing to 15th Avenue and 26th Avenue S.W. Residents offered mixed views on the 26th Avenue project, which is currently under construction. Julianne Kriz said she opposes the project, citing concerns about parking and winter conditions. “I don’t like them. I think it’s an attack on the cars in Calgary,” she said. Others support the expansion of cycling infrastructure. “I like them. I think it makes it safer to bicycle,” said Shannon Ruzycki, who was walking nearby with her children. Cyclist Chris Ford said he supports bike lanes in some locations but is concerned about traffic impacts. “I do see both sides,” he said. A counter on the 5th Street S.W. cycle track showed 357 users by early Monday afternoon, including cyclists and people using e-scooters. Gerald Wheatley, a cycling advocate and manager at the Arusha Centre, said separated cycle tracks are important, particularly in busy areas, and opposed a pause. “We definitely need more active transportation in the city,” he said. Mayor Jeromy Farkas said he supports reviewing transportation projects and their costs, but believes decisions about local infrastructure should remain with the city council. “Regardless of what your opinions are about bike lanes, I think the vast majority of Calgarians think that that’s a conversation for us to have at the local council table,” he said. McLean’s motion also asks administration to report back by the first quarter of 2027 with an inventory of cycling projects that affect traffic lanes or parking, along with their estimated costs and options for reallocating funding. It also calls for consultations with business groups, community associations, accessibility organizations, school boards and active transportation groups. The notice of motion was approved without debate Monday as part of the executive committee’s consent agenda and will go to council for consideration on Oct. 27.
