The YEG Bike Coalition strongly opposes the Province of Alberta’s proposed interference with the City of Edmonton’s 132 Avenue Collector Renewal project, specifically the effort to remove long-planned, community-supported bike lanes and revert to a dangerous, outdated road design.
In a letter dated April 16, 2025, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen demanded that the City cancel or postpone the construction of bike lanes between 66 Street and 97 Street, citing concerns about "driving capacity."
This proposal is not only out of touch—it’s dangerous.
Let’s be clear: 132 Avenue is a City-owned residential collector road. It’s not part of Alberta’s provincial highway system. The Province does not fund this project, nor does it maintain or operate this roadway. The street is home to schools, homes, seniors’ centres, parks, and small businesses—not freight corridors. A high-speed, high-volume road exists just south of this project - the Yellowhead Trail, a Provincial freeway that is already being upgraded to accomodate more traffic and freight.
The renewal design was developed through four years of public engagement. Hundreds of Edmontonians helped shape this plan. They asked for slower speeds, safer crossings, better bike and walk infrastructure, and a more livable street.
The Province now wants to override that work—and remove already-approved, already-funded infrastructure—based on political ideology, not data.
The 132 Avenue renewal project includes:
Safe, separated shared-use paths
Curb extensions and narrower lanes to reduce speeding
Improved sidewalks, lighting, and crossings including continuous crossings to improve accessibility and safety
600 new trees and green infrastructure to manage stormwater
Safer pick-up zones and walking routes for children at local schools
This isn't about "removing lanes"—it's about right-sizing an overbuilt road to make room for everyone, including drivers, while improving safety and reducing long-term maintenance costs. The road still functions for cars, buses, emergency vehicles, and local deliveries. What’s gone is the excess width that encouraged speeding and crashes.
And it works: this design aligns with Edmonton’s Vision Zero, Bike Plan, City Plan, and climate resilience goals.
For more than four years, Edmontonians have worked hand-in-hand with the City through a thorough and transparent public engagement process. Hundreds of residents, school staff, parents, and business owners participated. The result? A safer, more welcoming street for all – whether you're walking to school, biking to the grocery store, catching the bus, or driving to work.
Now, with construction already well underway and millions already invested, the Province is threatening to rip up that work, waste taxpayer dollars, and put lives at risk.
If the Province can unilaterally cancel city bike lanes on streets that are outside of their jurisdiction, what’s next?
Overriding bus lanes?
Banning pedestrian scrambles?
Blocking tree planting on boulevards?
This move undermines democratic planning, violates municipal jurisdiction, and tells every community that their voice doesn’t matter.
We call on:
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and City Council to stand firm
All Edmontonians to contact their MLA and Councillor
Minister Dreeshen to respect local governance, safety, and the climate commitments Albertans expect
Our streets should reflect our values: safety, sustainability, and inclusion. Not 1950s car-only thinking.
The people of Edmonton asked for these upgrades. They deserve to see them built.