Edmonton to remove bike lane, reinstall parking on Victoria Promenade
A controversial decision to remove parking spaces in favour of a bike lane on one of Edmonton's most scenic avenues has been reversed.
An update posted to the City of Edmonton's website Monday said the bike lane on the north side of Victoria Promenade will be removed as soon as the weather permits.
The new divided lane was installed in July on 100 Avenue from 121 to 116 Streets as part of a pilot project, because the road didn’t meet standards for the city's bike network.
"We have seen a positive impact on speeding, shortcutting and cyclist behaviours as a result of this project," the update said.
"The installation, however, did not meet the needs of a cross-section of community members and highlighted opportunities for improvements."
After the parking was removed, some residents in the area went public with their concerns over a lack of parking for people with disabilities and less space for emergency vehicles.
A city survey found that 62 per cent of residents were unhappy with the new bike lanes, 29 per cent were satisfied and 9 per cent remained neutral.
"Administration made the decision to adjust the Victoria Promenade Pilot Project based on community feedback collected as part of the evaluation of the pilot project," Craig McKeown, branch manager of parks and roads, told CTV News Edmonton Tuesday.
"There are currently no other bike lane pilot projects underway."
The city also received a petition signed by 580 people who opposed the pilot project.
A total of 19 of 20 parking spaces that were removed will be reinstalled, the update said, and the speed limit will be lowered to 30 km/h.
The bike lane on the south side of 100 Avenue will remain where it is.
The cost of the pilot project and removing the lane now is roughly $60,000, McKeown said, adding that does not include the cost of non-labour employees.
Last week, city council approved a new capital budget which included $100 million for new bike lane infrastructure in Edmonton.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.