bike-lanes

Redefining Mobility for a Vibrant, Inclusive Edmonton

Bike lanes in Edmonton signify more than mere pathways; they're arteries of sustainable, healthy, and safe transportation pulsating through the heart of the city. The mere act of drawing a line on asphalt isn't our approach. In Edmonton, the blueprint for bike lanes encompasses thoughtful design, prioritizing cyclists' safety and seamlessly integrating their journey with the rhythm of the entire transportation ecosystem.

However, let's set aside any misconceptions of exclusivity the term "bike lanes" may imply. Yes, they are built for bikes, but their reach is so much more expansive. Take a moment to visualize the lanes on any given day: alongside a cyclist, there's a chance you'll find wheelchairs seamlessly making their way. While this vivid image does highlight some gaps in our urban infrastructure, it's also a powerful testament to the adaptability and universality of these lanes. This spirit of inclusivity, where every wheel, foot, and heartbeat finds a place, is what we champion. Our lanes aren't just for bikes but for every Edmontonian who seeks a blend of safety, efficiency, and inclusivity.

1. Physical Separation in Line with Edmonton's Vision Zero Goals

As Edmonton ambitiously strides towards its Vision Zero goals – aiming for no fatalities or serious injuries on our roads – it becomes imperative to critically assess our bike lane infrastructure. Merely demarcating lanes with paint or using flexi-posts doesn't align with this vision. Such measures, though visible, are insufficient in providing the robust protection cyclists need from vehicular encroachments. Flexi-posts, while seeming like a protective measure, can be easily run over or displaced, leaving cyclists vulnerable.

2. Intersection Treatments Aligned with Efficient and Inclusive Mobility

Intersections are critical junctures that determine the overall safety and efficiency of bike lanes. In line with modern urban planning and Edmonton's commitment to promoting cycling, we need to ensure our intersections are optimized for seamless cyclist and pedestrian movement.

Small accomodations like bike detection systems, elimination of 'beg buttons', rethinking placement of stop signs, adding bike boxes, and having dedicated signal phasing is not just about promoting cycling or walking; it's about reimagining how our city moves, ensuring every mode of transport is efficient, safe, and respected.

3. Continuity, Connectivity, and Comprehensive Amenities

A bike lane network's true strength lies not just in its spread, but in the seamless continuity it offers, ensuring that cyclists can navigate the city without hindrance. Equally important are the amenities that support and enhance the cycling experience, making longer journeys feasible and comfortable, like washrooms, water fountains, and secure bike parking.

Continuity, connectivity, and a thoughtful inclusion of amenities demonstrate a city's commitment to not just the idea of cycling but to the actual lived experience of its cycling community. As Edmonton evolves, our infrastructure should reflect our dedication to creating a truly cycle-friendly city.

4. Adequate Width and Facilitating Multi-Use Path Interactions

Ensuring adequate width in bike lanes is vital, not only for the comfort of cyclists but also for accommodating a diverse range of users on multi-use paths. These paths often see a mix of pedestrians, groups, pet owners with dogs, and cyclists, all sharing the same space. Proper width and design considerations can significantly improve interactions among all users.

Expanding and designing our paths with the needs of a diverse user base in mind not only enhances safety but also fosters a sense of community. These paths are shared spaces where every individual, irrespective of their mode of movement, has an equal right to comfort and safety.

5. Surface Quality: Ensuring Year-Round Usability and Safety

The surface quality of bike lanes plays a pivotal role in the comfort, safety, and feasibility of cycling, especially when considering Edmonton's varied seasonal challenges. A truly cycle-friendly city acknowledges that cyclists aren’t just fair-weather users; many rely on bike lanes for daily commuting throughout the year.

Emphasizing the importance of surface quality and maintenance throughout the year underscores a city’s commitment to its cycling community. It acknowledges that for many, cycling is more than just a leisure activity – it’s a lifestyle choice, a mode of transportation, and a testament to sustainable living. Ensuring our bike lanes are up to this task, regardless of the season, makes Edmonton a true champion of urban cycling.

6. Availability and Accessibility: Ensuring Bike Lanes are Always Ready and Clear

Maintaining an uninterrupted and accessible cycling environment is paramount for the safety and efficiency of our city's transportation. Properly maintained bike lanes that are free from obstructions, whether they be parked vehicles, construction hoardings, or festival setups, ensure that cyclists can move seamlessly throughout the city.

Considerations like proper bylaw enforcement, adequate detours during construction and festivals, ensuring physical safety barriers, and establishing a consistent design standard help to guarantee that our bike lanes are always available, accessible, and clear for cyclists. An unobstructed and seamless bike lane network is vital for the safety and convenience of all Edmontonians.

7. All Ages and Abilities: Inclusivity Beyond Cycling

A truly inclusive urban infrastructure welcomes and facilitates a broad spectrum of users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transport. By designing for the youngest to the oldest and every mobility mode in between, we can cultivate a shared space that champions accessibility and diversity.

When we prioritize inclusivity in our infrastructure design, we don't just create pathways — we build communities. Every individual, irrespective of how they traverse these lanes, should feel safe, welcomed, and valued. This holistic approach underscores our city’s commitment to fostering an environment where everyone has an equal stake and can move harmoniously together.

8. Integration with Other Modes: A Win-Win for Drivers and Everyone

A city's transportation ecosystem thrives best when various modes of transport are interlinked seamlessly. Bike infrastructure, while primarily catering to cyclists, offers multifaceted benefits when integrated with public transportation — and, surprisingly, these advantages significantly uplift the driving community too.

Drivers benefit from bike lanes through reduced traffic congestion, improved access to parking, enhanced safety, drastically reduced road maintenance and construction costs, environmental benefits, and economic boosts.

A robust integration strategy isn’t about favoring one mode of transport over another; it's about building a cohesive, efficient, and adaptable transport network. By recognizing and capitalizing on the interconnected benefits of bike infrastructure and public transportation, we can create a system where everyone, including drivers, reaps the rewards.

9. Regular Maintenance: Year-Round Commitment for All Commuters

A successful bike infrastructure isn't just about the initial construction and design. The real testament to a city’s commitment to its cyclists and all road users is in the regular maintenance, ensuring that these pathways remain functional, safe, and efficient throughout the seasons.

By investing in regular, thorough maintenance of bike lanes, we do more than just uphold a commitment to cyclists. We foster a harmonious coexistence between various modes of transportation, ensuring that every Edmontonian, whether they cycle, walk, or drive, benefits from efficient, safe, and well-maintained roads all year round.

10. Costs, Savings, and Economic Benefits: The Financial Sense Behind Bike Lanes

While bike lanes may require initial investment, their long-term benefits — both direct and indirect — make them a financially sensible choice for cities. Beyond fostering a cycling culture and promoting a healthier lifestyle, bike lanes have clear economic advantages, from tax savings to business growth.

Upfront Investment vs. Long-Term Gains: While constructing bike lanes comes with an initial cost, this expense is dwarfed when compared to the long-term savings and economic advantages they bring. Reduced road wear and tear, decreased demand for expansive parking structures, and lowered healthcare costs due to a fitter, healthier populace are just some of the benefits.
Lowered Infrastructure Costs: Bicycles cause significantly less damage to roads than cars, resulting in longer-lasting roads and decreased repair costs. Additionally, creating infrastructure for bikes is less expensive per mile than building and maintaining roads for vehicular traffic.
Beneficial for Businesses: Bike lanes typically lead to an increase in foot and bike traffic in commercial areas. Cyclists are more likely to stop, shop, and eat on the go, thereby increasing revenue for local businesses. Several studies have shown that areas with bike lanes see a boost in sales for the businesses located along those routes.
Tax Savings: With the reduced need for extensive road repairs, sprawling parking structures, and other car-centric amenities, cities can allocate funds more efficiently. This can result in a decrease in the amount needed from taxpayers or at least delay potential tax increases.
Increased Property Values: Areas with well-maintained bike infrastructure often see a rise in property values due to the enhanced lifestyle and transport options they offer, potentially increasing city revenue through property taxes.
Economic Boost from Tourism: Cities known for their bike-friendly culture often attract tourists who are interested in sustainable and active travel options. This not only benefits local businesses but also boosts the city's image as a forward-thinking, environmentally-friendly destination.
Reduced Healthcare Costs: A more active populace results in lower healthcare costs. Cycling has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, leading to potential savings in public healthcare expenditure.

To embrace bike lanes is to understand the profound financial logic behind them. Not only do they provide immediate benefits for cyclists and businesses alike, but they also contribute to long-term economic sustainability. Investing in bike infrastructure is a clear statement: we prioritize not only our environment and health but also smart, future-proof economic strategies.

What does safe bike infrastructure look like?