This week’s batch of calls for public engagement includes research about bike parking, community parties in Stony Plain, and a survey about Edmonton’s online apps and service.

The City of Edmonton is conducting research to see if current bike parking regulations meet the needs of cyclists. Administration is developing guidelines on how to provide bike parking that is effective and functional for users.

The survey asks respondents why they cycle and whether they typically find enough parking spaces at their destination. It also asks if users prefer horizontal or vertical parking spaces; the latter requires a cyclist to lift their bike to lock it against a wall.

Commercial and community properties in Edmonton have to provide bike parking. The zoning bylaw differentiates between properties that are bigger or smaller than 2,500 square metres, but both are required to provide a certain number of parking spaces for bikes, depending on the size of the property. Off-site spaces within a short walk of the property can be used to meet the parking minimum.

Residential developers are required to provide one bike parking space per unit, or one space per three sleeping units, whichever is greater. Between 85% and 90% must be long-term bike parking in a weather-protected and secure location.

These rules came up in the one-year review of the zoning bylaw in 2025, though most of the debate at that time was overshadowed by opposition to infill. The review said both city staff and developers found it difficult to meet the bylaw’s bike parking requirements, and that the requirements for commercial properties were too high.

Edmontonians can request new bike racks on public property and at city-owned locations, such as along sidewalks and at transit hubs. Advocates such as the Edmonton Bike Coalition have long said that secure bike parking is a vital amenity for a cycle-friendly city, Coun. Michael Janz has been advocating for more secure parking since at least 2023.

The survey, conducted through the Edmonton Insight Community, will close on July 20.