Danielle Smith
Premier of Alberta
Devin Dreeshen
Minister of Transportation and Economic Cooridoors
Government of Alberta
July 20, 2026
RE: Bike Lane Legislation
Dear Premier Smith and Minister Dreeshen,
My name is Doug Clark. I am writing to you from two perspectives. I am the president of Bike Calgary, a volunteer-led and run, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the cycling experience in Calgary. We advocate for safe and convenient cycling infrastructure for Calgarians of all ages and abilities. For over 20 years Bike Calgary has actively promoted the benefits of safe, active transportation cycling. I am also writing as a long-time Alberta road user (I am both a cyclist and a car driver) and a tax paying citizen.
I urge you to reconsider attempting to enact any legislation that would grant the province sweeping powers to remove existing protected bike lanes and/or block new ones in our municipalities. While framed as “common sense,” this initiative is government overreach that undermines local decision-making, puts drivers and cyclists in danger, fails to address traffic congestion, impairs people’s choice of transportation, and overlooks clear economic benefits of well-designed active transportation infrastructure.
Alberta municipalities are best positioned to understand their streets, traffic patterns, and community needs. Demanding municipalities justify infrastructure with narrow metrics while threatening retroactive removals sets a dangerous precedent. Cities must be able to retain the flexibility to respond to their residents and their needs, wants and concerns, rather than be constrained by top-down mandates from a provincial government.
On safety, the evidence is straightforward. Protected bike lanes save lives – particularly the lives of young riders. Protected bike lanes reduce serious collisions for all road users by separating vulnerable cyclists from motor vehicle traffic. Removing this separation, as attempted in Ontario, was found by the courts to increase the risk of harm and death, violating Charter protections. Alberta’s plan to replicate that approach puts people at harm. Instead of ripping out proven safety measures, we should build on them to achieve Vision Zero outcomes that protect families, seniors, and everyday commuters. This is particularly critical given the disturbing increase in road deaths in Calgary from 11 in 2017 to 38 in 2025. Cyclists and pedestrians have been prominent among the victims – including a 69 year old cyclist killed while riding on 26th Avenue SW (a roadway slated to receive a future protected bike lane).
Protected bike lanes do not create or exacerbate congestion—a clear finding by the Ontario Court of Justice. Protected infrastructure supports meaningful traffic relief through mode shift. By giving people safe options to cycle for short trips, we reduce the number of cars on the road—the most space-efficient way to move people in growing cities. Alberta’s population growth demands smarter, multimodal solutions rather than solely widening roads that quickly fill with induced demand. Protected lanes deliver exactly that efficiency.
Economically, vibrant bike infrastructure strengthens local businesses. Numerous studies show that cyclists and pedestrians spend more locally, support small retailers, and enhance street vitality. Areas with safe cycling access often see increased foot traffic and higher property values. Removing lanes risks reversing these gains, harming the very businesses some claim to protect. Forward-looking communities across North America are leveraging active transportation for stronger downtowns and healthier populations that lower long-term healthcare costs. Albertans deserve to be able to travel safely, whether that be on two wheels or four. I urge you to pause this legislation and abandon plans to rip out infrastructure that is delivering measurable benefits.
I welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss practical, evidence based ways to improve mobility for all Albertans. Bike Calgary would be happy to take you on a tour of the bike lanes, so you can see firsthand how useful they are. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Doug Clark
President
Bike Calgary