Overview

• Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek met for an hour on July 31 to discuss bike lane expansions and congestion concerns.
• Mayor Gondek noted that bike lanes occupy just 1 percent of Calgary’s road capacity and said the city will review any lanes that hinder traffic flow or parking.
• Dreeshen expressed hope that coordination will obviate the need for legislation but confirmed the government could still introduce provincial rules to safeguard driving lanes.
• Protesters from A Better Calgary Party gathered outside the closed-door meeting calling for an audit of underused bike routes, while Bike Calgary representatives defended lanes as a congestion solution.
• The discussion referenced an Ontario court ruling that blocked a provincial bike lane removal law on safety grounds, and similar talks are scheduled with Edmonton officials.