Some more bike lane drama, this time in Edmonton. (Again.)

Edmonton city council is reconsidering plans for new bike lanes along 50th Street after residents in the Capilano neighbourhood argued the project would create parking shortages and make the road less accessible. Construction has been paused while council reviews possible alternatives, CBC News reported.

What the proposal entailed

The proposed project would add bike lanes and shared pathways between 102nd Avenue and 109A Avenue as part of the city’s Active Transportation Network Expansion program. The route passes through the Capilano, Gold Bar and Fulton Place neighbourhoods.

Dozens of residents gathered Monday to protest the plan. They said they support safer cycling infrastructure but not at the expense of parking and neighbourhood access.

Lanes will take away parking spots

“Parking is obviously at the heart of this, but so is safety,” Shauna Dowson told the CBC. She argued the current design would make simple tasks, such as getting in and out of ride-share vehicles, more difficult and could increase congestion.

Dowson also criticized the city’s public consultation process. She said many residents were unaware the project was moving ahead. “What has been at the heart of the decision-making has not been citizens, but rapid implementation,” she said.

Solutions are there, debate awaits

Ward Métis Coun. Ashley Salvador told CBC she believes the wide, four-lane roadway and central median provide enough space to find a solution that works for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Council is expected to debate alternative designs this week. So, we will see what happens next.

This is just the latest in lots of bike lane debates across the country. Whether it’s Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax or Montreal, there seems to be growing schisms for cycling infrastructure. Alberta has been the hotbed of this sort of thing for some time–perhaps even inspired by the moves by Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Still, thankfully cycling advocates continues to push the good fight for make riding safe.