Three sections of the Downtown Bike Network will open on Friday afternoon. Opening ahead of schedule, these three protected bike lanes will offer cyclists of all ages and abilities a safe way to travel through Edmonton’s Downtown core.

The three sections opening this Friday, June 16 are:

• 100 Avenue from 103 Street to 109 Street

• 103 Street from 100 Avenue to 103 Avenue

• 107 Street from 99 Avenue to 100 Avenue

   
  

"As the second-fastest growing city in Canada, Edmonton continues to see a growth in the cycling community and the increased need for year-round cycling options in the core," said Councillor Scott McKeen,"The Downtown Bike Network is a milestone achievement to providing safe and accessible transportation options for all citizens." 

The phased opening of the Downtown Bike Network will continue next week with the majority of the 7.8 kilometre network open by July. The available protected bike lanes will have “now open” signs along the route, and updates will be posted at Edmonton.ca/BikeDowntown  as additional bike lanes open for use. Cyclists are encouraged to use the protected bike lanes as they open.

New additions to the roadways include green boxes, signals, signs, flexible posts and concrete curbing, which separate road traffic from cyclists. Cyclists, motorists and pedestrians are all reminded to look both ways when crossing intersections, to look out for each other, and to watch for the new markings, signage and signals during their commute, especially at alleys and parkades. The Downtown Bike Network Street Team will be hitting the pavement throughout the summer to answer questions and help cyclists, motorists and pedestrians understand the new changes. A grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, August 26.

The Downtown Bike Network is adaptable to respond to major shifts in traffic and infrastructure. An evaluation and monitoring program will be ongoing and adjustments will be made as needed to ensure the Network stays a safe and accessible transportation option, while minimizing impacts on other modes of transportation. As a part of the evaluation and monitoring program, a survey is available for citizens to provide feedback.

In June 2014, Edmonton City Council approved the 2014-2018 Bike Infrastructure Plan, identifying the need to build high-quality bike lanes in core areas of the city, including Downtown. The Downtown Bike Network was approved by Edmonton City Council October 11, 2016, to be implemented by summer 2017. The project team began construction in early April 2017 on the 7.8 km of protected bike lanes and shared-use paths that reach within two blocks of many Downtown destinations.