Alberta’s Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen, has strongly opposed the City of Edmonton's plan to build bicycle lanes on 132 Avenue between 66 Street and 97 Street, arguing that replacing driving lanes with bike lanes will hinder traffic flow.
In a letter to a city official, Dreeshen expressed concerns about the project’s impact on Alberta’s road network and urged the city to cancel or postpone it.
"Transportation and Economic Corridors is working to ensure Alberta’s roads meet evolving transportation needs," Dreeshen wrote. "As our urban populations continue to grow, we need to seriously consider how to maintain and increase capacity for motor vehicle traffic flow for current and future traffic needs and not reducing capacity."
He criticized the use of taxpayer dollars to "shrink rather than increase road capacity" and raised concerns about the connectivity between provincial and municipal roads. Dreeshen's letter reflects a broader provincial emphasis on prioritizing vehicle traffic as Alberta’s urban centres expand.
Dreeshen called for a halt to the 132 Avenue project and scrutiny of future lane removal initiatives, signaling potential oversight of municipal transportation plans.
Edmonton's bike lane network has been a divisive issue for years. The city's push for cycling infrastructure began with the 2010 Edmonton Bicycle Transportation Plan, aiming to make cycling a safe and viable transport option.
By 2025, Edmonton has over 100 kilometers of bike lanes, including protected lanes and shared-use paths, as part of its commitment to sustainable transport and reducing emissions.
However, bike lane projects have often faced backlash. Supporters, including cycling advocates, argue that bike lanes improve safety and reduce congestion, citing high collision rates on roads like 132 Avenue.
Critics, including some drivers and business owners, contend that removing driving lanes worsens traffic and limits access to businesses. A notable example was the 2017 83 Avenue bike lane project, which sparked protests and a council review after complaints about parking and traffic disruptions.
The 132 Avenue proposal has reignited this debate.