Bike Calgary agrees that transportation decisions should serve the public interest, prioritize safety and improve quality of life for all road users. That is precisely why those decisions must be guided by evidence, local context and meaningful public engagement.
We question Minister Dreessheen’s and the Provincial Government’s framing that bike lanes are primarily an ideological project or that there is no meaningful place for protected cycling infrastructure in balanced policy.
Safe, well-designed protected cycling infrastructure can reduce serious collisions, encourage more people to travel by bike, ease pressure on road networks and give Calgarians more transportation choices.
Bike Calgary reminds Minister Dreessheen and the provincial government of the numerous times they have criticized the federal government for overreach into areas of provincial jurisdiction. We suggest this government takes its own advice and not interfere in business that is best left to municipal governments.
Local governments are best positioned to assess what works on their streets. Legislation that could override municipal decisions or remove existing protected infrastructure risks undermining safety gains and local accountability. Bike Calgary urges the Minister and the Province to base any new legislation on comprehensive data—including usage, safety outcomes, and economic benefits—and to engage cycling advocates as partners
Municipalities are responsible for planning and managing their local transportation networks. Calgary’s city council is accountable to Calgarians for those decisions. If a bike lane is not working as intended, the appropriate response is for the City of Calgary to evaluate the evidence, engage with residents and businesses, and make changes where warranted. Municipal governments are the level of government closest to the voter and the most responsive to the needs of their constituents.
Bike Calgary continues to welcome the opportunity to meet with Minister Dreeshen and Alberta government representatives.
Minister Dreeshen’s statement (Aug. 15, 2026): https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=976273E0D5E3C-E735-E934-722CFF66EF462A94