July 29, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Ten years ago this month, Edmonton returned a national traffic safety award after city councillors voted to tear out three bike lanes they deemed underused and unsafe—despite the lanes contributing to the award in the first place.
Since then, Edmonton has built a more extensive and better-designed network of bike lanes in busier parts of the city. But now, the question of removing bike infrastructure is back—this time with the province potentially stepping in.
In recent months, Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen has voiced criticism of how both Edmonton and Calgary have approached cycling infrastructure, suggesting the cities have taken a “wrong turn” in their priorities. He’s even hinted that the province hasn’t ruled out direct intervention.
Back in April, Dreeshen called for the removal of bike lanes along what he called “major corridors,” saying they conflict with provincial investments in roadway expansions aimed at easing vehicle traffic. In particular, he flagged four completed Edmonton bike lanes and another nearly finished project. As for Calgary, he admitted he hadn’t yet reviewed its infrastructure in as much detail.
Dreeshen and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek exchanged letters earlier this summer over the future of the city’s bike network and are scheduled to meet this Wednesday to continue discussions.
Echoing arguments made by Edmonton councillors in 2015, Dreeshen maintains that the bike lanes in question are underutilized and contribute to longer commutes for drivers—raising questions once again about the balance between active transportation and vehicle traffic in Alberta’s biggest cities.
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