Edmonton cyclists block street during bike lane protest at minister's Capilano meeting

A group of determined Edmonton cyclists made their voices heard Thursday afternoon as Alberta's ongoing bike lane debate continued, briefly disrupting a meeting between Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen and Capilano residents.

The cyclists blocked a street while chanting "Bike lanes save lives" and "Stay in your lane," with people on both sides of the issue shouting back and forth about the future of bike lanes in Edmonton. After the demonstration, the cyclists rode away, moving the wrong way down one-way 50A Street.

The protest comes amid ongoing debate over bike lanes in east Edmonton. Last week, residents living along several blocks of 50 Street voiced concerns about a proposed bike lane that would eliminate on-street parking. City council and the area's councillor later agreed to revise the project to preserve parking while still including a bike lane. One resident affected by the proposal called the revised plan a compromise and a win-win.

Olivia Menard of Ward Métis Bikes and a cycling advocate disagreed with that assessment. "I don't agree that public roads should be used as storage spaces for personal property," she said. "We deserve to get around safely as well. Freedom comes in all forms. People should have the choice and ability to choose the way they get around our cities."

The UCP government is examining the issue. On Wednesday, it launched an online portal inviting Albertans to provide feedback — both positive and negative — about bike lanes in cities and towns. Dreeshen said the feedback will help inform legislative decisions, with a bill expected to be introduced this fall.