New Edmonton bike lane proposal divides community members

A new bike lane proposed for a stretch of 79 Street in Edmonton's Bonnie Doon neighborhood has sparked a debate among local residents, highlighting differing views on urban infrastructure development.

While some community members, like Nathan Henderson, welcome the proposal, citing potential safety and accessibility benefits. Henderson, who moved to the Idylwylde community partly due to the planned bike lane, stated, "We’re really excited for that to be put here. Especially on a street like this where it is high throughput traffic. Even though it’s a residential street, we’d like it to be more traffic calm and bike lanes can contribute to that."

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There’s no need for a bike lane here. I don’t have a problem with bike lanes, but I have a problem where they’re putting them.

However, others, such as resident Hal Cook, who lives directly on the proposed route, are questioning the necessity and placement of the lane. "There’s no need for a bike lane here," Cook said. "I don’t have a problem with bike lanes, but I have a problem where they’re putting them."

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We’re really excited for that to be put here. Especially on a street like this where it is high throughput traffic. Even though it’s a residential street, we’d like it to be more traffic calm and bike lanes can contribute to that.

The plan, part of the city’s active transportation network expansion, would run along 79th Street between 76th and 101st Avenue. To accommodate the bike lane, much of the on-street parking would be removed, though a portion between 94th and 95th Avenue near Holyrood school would remain. A section from 76th to 90th Avenue would also be converted to a one-way southbound lane.

Ward Métis Councillor Ashley Salvador acknowledged the opposition but pointed to a steady increase in bike lane usage across the city, supported by data. "That’s what the data shows, that’s what the numbers show and as we look to continue growing and building a complete and comprehensive transportation network, we have to provide options for everyone," Salvador said. The project is slated for construction within the current year.

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That’s what the data shows, that’s what the numbers show and as we look to continue growing and building a complete and comprehensive transportation network, we have to provide options for everyone.