Edmonton to install 'summer streets' in 3 locations this month

Shared-use streets are returning to Edmonton in May, the city announced on Wednesday.

Crews will install "summer streets" in three locations:

• Saskatchewan Drive, from 109 Street to west of 104 Street
• 104 Street, from Saskatchewan Drive to 78 Avenue
• Victoria Park Road

The Saskatchewan Drive shared-use streets will be put in place this week, while the one on Victoria Park Road will go up by the end of the month.

"It creates additional space for Edmontonians to enjoy Edmonton and to actually be out there and be able to live an active lifestyle and it promotes active transportation," said Ali Alou, a senior traffic engineer with the City of Edmonton.

Temporary flex posts will be used to separate vehicles from people walking, running, and biking.

The speed limit will also be dropped to 40 km/h.

"Make sure you're watching out for each other, if you're a cyclist or a pedestrian or a person jogging through the area or driving through the area to be mindful of each other. Keep your eyes open and watch out for everyone's safety."

Stephen Raitz with Paths for People likes the summer streets but said he wants more cycling options for people outside the core.

"We're excited to see that the cycling numbers are ticking up over the summer but the really important thing to remember is when we build really good infrastructure, cycling becomes more of an option in the winter too for people and I'm somebody who's able to cycle in all seasons and I have a lot of fun doing it, and I would love for that to become more of an option for other Edmontonians."

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Alison MacKinnon