Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas is calling for a halt to any potential removal of local bike lanes by the province. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen recently announced plans to introduce a bill granting the government more authority over the approval and removal of bike lanes. Farkas expressed concerns about the possibility of bike lanes being eliminated, which are essential for children commuting to school and enhancing cyclist safety on roads.
Farkas emphasized the importance of pedestrian safety, particularly in light of the city recording its highest number of pedestrian deaths in a year since records began in 1996. Despite his efforts to discuss pedestrian safety with Dreeshen, their scheduled meeting was canceled, leaving Farkas awaiting further communication on the matter.
The mayor criticized the provincial government for focusing on what he considers less significant issues, such as debates over bike lanes and other symbolic matters like library book selections and daylight saving time adjustments. Farkas believes the bike lane debate is diverting attention from more pressing concerns facing the province.
Dreeshen had previously mentioned the review of municipal bike lanes following public complaints about the placement and impact of certain lanes. While acknowledging support for some bike lanes, Dreeshen highlighted concerns about poorly located lanes causing disruptions, such as the replacement of parking spaces or hindering daily commutes.
In response to Farkas’s objections, Dreeshen defended the government’s position, expressing worry about municipalities using taxpayer funds to reduce road capacity while the province is investing in road expansions. Council member Nathaniel Schmidt, representing areas with significant bike lane presence, questioned the necessity of provincial intervention in bike lane matters, citing a lack of data to support the proposed legislation.
The proposed bill on bike lanes in Alberta coincides with a similar legal challenge in Ontario, where the government faced opposition to its plan to remove bike lanes in Toronto. Bike Calgary president Doug Clark raised concerns about the potential negative impact of the legislation on cyclist safety and advocated for more bike lane development to enhance connectivity within Calgary’s existing cycling infrastructure.