Province considers pumping brakes on bike lanes in Calgary

The Government of Alberta is renewing its talk with the City of Calgary about pumping the brakes on its bicycle lanes.

The Government of Alberta is requesting specific data from the City of Calgary on whether bike lanes impact traffic flow and commute times.

Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen is also considering whether to bring forth legislation to ensure bike lanes aren’t impacting road capacity.

“Alberta’s government supports well-planned bike lanes when they are properly integrated and don’t compromise road capacity,” read a statement from Dreeshen on Monday.

“That’s why I asked the city to provide a Vehicle Traffic Impact Assessment on the effect of bike-lane conversions—including traffic volumes, travel times and overall road capacity.”

It’s the latest push by the province to examine the use of bike lanes in Calgary’s core and elsewhere.

Some on city council agree with the need for an assessment.

“I think there’s a good case to be made that we should do a pause and a review on bike lanes to see who’s using them before we build more,” said Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean.

Calgary does publish bike lane usage data online, and it shows hundreds of cyclists are tracked using the downtown network each day, even in the colder months.

“As a taxpayer, I’m offended that the province would waste time and money on meddling into decisions that the city is perfectly capable of managing themselves,” said Doug Clark, Bike Calgary president.

Clark adds that bike lanes should be looked at as a solution for allowing more people to get around the city in a timely and cost-effective way.

“Putting bike lanes in where it’s been done carefully and properly can be part of the solution in terms of avoiding congestion,” he said.

Dreeshen added there will be continued conversations with Mayor Jeromy Farkas and the city about data needed to “understand how lane removals impact emergency access, commute times for families and goods movement for local businesses.”

The mayor said he would use the opportunity to speak with the minister to advocate for transportation projects the city is seeking funding for.

“Our council is absolutely committed to funding adequate transportation options for absolutely every single Calgarian,” Farkas said.

“That includes commuting by car and includes active modes like walking or cycling, as well as transit. So, at the end of the day, no matter how you choose to get around or you have to get around, you deserve quality, safe and affordable options.”