City staff is recommending that new bike lane projects be paused ahead of provincial legislation that could see existing infrastructure ripped up. The recommendation, which will be heard at an upcoming infrastructure committee meeting, excludes projects that have already been constructed and 13 that are actively being built. But Mayor Andrew Knack said there is some confusion with administration’s recommendation. “Administration has been given the direction to continue with the expansion of infrastructure. They have already within their authority the ability to make tweaks as they see fit,” explained Knack. “Unless council provides alternative direction, the existing plan is permitted to proceed.” Alberta’s transportation minister Devin Dreeshen said he intends to introduce legislation in the fall that would require cities, primarily Edmonton and Calgary, to complete traffic impact assessments for future bike lane proposals that will then be at the discretion of the province to approve. “Our government is developing legislation to make sure transportation infrastructure works for all road users,” said a statement from the minister. “For too long, transportation decisions have been driven by ideology rather than common sense. We need to consider how infrastructure works for everyone who uses our roads.” Knack says he believes the delegated authority administration has addresses the thoughtfulness Dreeshen is seeking behind every bike lane installation. “I’m not sure what purpose this report actually serves … I think we’re spending a lot of time on this when I really want to make sure we’re spending our time on improving the safety on our streets,” said the mayor. Administration is proposing that 14 bike lane projects that have yet to start be put on hold and reevaluated for feasibility. “I think it’s really disappointing to see administration trying to do the work of councillors,” said Karambir Singh, a cyclist and volunteer with the Edmonton Bike Coalition. “Admin’s role and responsibility is to implement what the city council has told them to do, and it’s disappointing to see them interjecting into an area that is not their responsibility.” Those 14 bike infrastructure projects in question are part of the $100-million Active Transportation Network Expansion that was passed by council in 2022. The report also suggests the pause following recent public pushback of bike lane construction, particularly on 50 Street. Ward Métis Coun. Ashley Salvador said she too has questions around why the report is being brought forward. “My preference is to see that this work continues as planned. There are a lot of really important routes that are slated for this year and next that community members have been waiting for,” said Salvador. “At a time where we’re seeing more traffic injuries and fatalities on our roadways, having safe, protected bike infrastructure is a critical part of keeping our communities and neighbourhoods safe.” The report will be discussed further at Wednesday’s infrastructure committee meeting. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Jeremy Thompson
