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The City has piqued the excitement of cyclists across Edmonton by announcing Wednesday that the 7.8-kilometre downtown network of protected bike lanes will mostly be ready for the busy summer season. Construction of the system of segregated lanes and shared use paths began in early April with the removal of existing pavement markings, followed by the installation of new markings, flex bollards, signage, and signal phasing.
Expected to significantly boost ridership, the network aims to provide an all-ages, safe environment for cyclists and all road users. The project answers the emphatic calls of urban cyclists, who have long-sought safer routes of passage through key destinations in the core. Construction will continue over the next two months, with the bulk of the system in place and operational by July.
The network's implementation hasn't been without some hiccups however. Initial plans for a cycle route along 104 Avenue have been upended after concerns were raised about Rogers Place-related traffic congestion. Instead, the east/west connector lane is moving over to the north side of 105 Avenue, linking it with intersections between 116 and 101 Streets. The unanticipated amendment will necessitate a delayed opening for this section of the network.
As part of the evaluation and monitoring program implemented by the City, a public survey has been created to collect feedback about the system. An evaluation period will determine how the network is operating before further changes are considered. An official launch party to open the grid is tentatively scheduled for August 26, with additional details to be announced in the coming months.
The downtown bike network was born out of the 2014-2018 Bike Infrastructure Plan, a guiding document that identified the pressing need to construct high-quality bike lanes in the core of the city. Edmonton City Council approved the plan in June 2014, and two years later, gave their blessing to the network now being installed.
Will you make use of the new downtown bike network? You can get involved in the discussion by leaving a comment below or by visiting the designated Forum thread.
