'Beyond infuriating': Concrete barriers in Garneau bike lanes removed after backlash
The City of Edmonton is removing concrete barriers from the Garneau bike lanes, after public backlash.
There were concerns not only that the barriers prevented the paths from being used by cyclists, but that they created a hazard for those cycling at night.
“Temporary signage would not only be a lot more practical for the situation, but also a lot cheaper too,” said Stephen Raitz with Paths for People.
In an email to CTV News, the city said, “to ensure the safety of those who bike or drive along this corridor, it was determined that the bike lane should be temporarily closed for use until appropriate signage is installed.”
“We can definitely understand that there can be operational concerns, we just don’t think it needs to be this heavy handed,” Raitz said.
“It kind of feels like we’re trying to hammer a screw.”
- City to add railing to Ada Boulevard bridge after Edmontonians voice safety concerns
- City making changes to crosswalks, bike lanes and streets to help with physical distancing
Raitz and others on social media pointed out that blocking the paths could also create an accessibility issue, with many who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices opting for bike paths when sidewalks haven’t been cleared.
“How this was able to be approved…merits much further investigation,” said Ward Papastew City Councillor Michael Janz.
“This does not align with city plan, this does not align with our values, this is beyond infuriating.”
Janz said this is part of a larger systemic issue where cyclists and other active transportation users are not prioritised the way drivers are.
“We know we’re trying to build transportation infrastructure to walk, to wheel, to roll throughout the city,” Janz said. “To have not just a failure like this, but to have such a dramatic and bizarre overreaction is perplexing and incredibly frustrating.”
The city told CTV News that installing the new signage has been made a priority, and the bike lane will reopen by 6 p.m. Tuesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.