Calgary cycling advocates are speaking out about Alberta’s new public feedback portal on municipal bike lanes. The provincial government launched the online portal on July 16. It invites Albertans to provide feedback about bike lanes in their communities, according to a report by the Calgary Herald.

Basically, you select from a list of concerns, including issues such as reduced parking and taxpayer costs, before adding comments. The questionnaire does not include options for positive feedback about cycling infrastructure, which seems…odd.

Given that rather glaring aspect, local cyclists say it presents a one-sided view by asking residents only to submit concerns rather than offering an opportunity to express support. (It does seem quite weird, no?)

What’s lacking

That approach has frustrated cycling organizations, which argue it risks producing an incomplete picture of public opinion.

Doug Clark, president of Bike Calgary, said gathering public input is worthwhile but criticized the structure of the survey. “We applaud the provincial government for reaching out to Albertans to get their information and perspective on things, but it really couches it in a negative light,” he said to the Calgary Herald. “To get the correct full picture, you need to make it more open to allow people to express their desires, the positive elements of interacting with bike lanes, and just not harvest negativity.”

Clark said transportation planning requires balancing the needs of drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and transit users. He said this is key, particularly as Calgary continues to grow. Clark also argued that relying solely on private vehicles is not a sustainable long-term solution for a city approaching two million residents.

According to the Calgary Herald, Bike Calgary has sought a meeting with Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen. Other cycling organizations have apparently tried to do the same, but no such luck. And, that’s despite the minister finding time to meet with a group opposed to bike lanes.
The portal is just the latest bike lane drama in the province.

The news comes amid plans by the government to apparently create legislation that could review or remove existing and current cycling infrastructure. It is said to resemble something similar that occurred in Ontario in 2024. Since then, there has been a seemingly never-ending legal battle between cycling advocacy groups and Premier Doug Ford’s government.