Some Edmonton residents raising concerns over new bike lane plan, others calling the province not to intervene

It’s a battle of the bike lanes. Residents in Edmonton’s Delton and Alberta Avenue neighbourhoods are launching a petition against the city’s plan in the area.

“Put them where they make sense. Instead of taking away from people who are paying taxes,” said Tom Ogonoski, a resident who opposes adding bike lanes in his area.

Ogonoski has mobility issues. He says that while the bike lanes will not impact his accessible parking space, less parking generally will impact his mobility. He’s not seeing the need for planned lanes on portions of 92 Street, 96 Street, and 124 Avenue.

“There’s already infrastructure for bike lanes on 97 Street, 118th up to 124th. Why would we waste our money on another one exactly?” Ogonoski asked.

Ogonoski is part of a group of residents petitioning the province to intervene.

“They’re not listening to us and we need help and if we have to beg that’s what we’ve gotta do. 70 per cent of the residences on these streets have signed. The seniors, the disabled and the vulnerable who are going most likely most impacted by this because they need access to their on-street parking,” said Jeremiah Rawlings, a petition representative.

Alberta’s transportation minister is telling CityNews the province is discussing bike lanes with Edmonton and Calgary, saying all options will be on the table.

“I think most Albertans are supportive of bike lanes where they make sense. We need to make sure that seniors can get to their home safely, and obviously people in their daily commute can get home safely and in an efficient manner,” said Devin Dreeshen, the Minister of Transportation.

But an Edmonton councillor is criticizing the province’s possible intervention.

“The minister has been interfering in what has been for centuries to be local autonomy and I think the worry that we’re hearing form the community is today is bike lane, tomorrow might be theatre programming, might be event rentals,” said Michael Janz, councillor for Ward Papastew.

Janz is supporting a separate petition calling for ‘municipal autonomy’ from the province.

“I use my bike every single day to get to where I need to get to or I walk because I can’t afford a car right now because of my living situation,” said Chris Scott, who uses bike lanes.

Those who use bike lanes say it makes it easier and safer to get around. They want to see the city move forward with the plans for more lanes.