Transportation minister calls on Edmonton to cancel bike lane project, irking critics

Alberta's transportation minister is asking the city of Edmonton to cancel an ongoing bike lane project, saying the city should be working to increase vehicle capacity rather than reduce it.

Devin Dreeshen says the city's multi-year plan to build 30 blocks of bike lanes on the city's north side will have a negative impact on the ``provincial road network'' as it comes at the expense of two lanes of vehicle traffic.

While the province didn't contribute any dollars to the nearly $96 million project, Dreeshen says the government provides funding for other municipal roads and he wants more coordination between both levels of government when it comes to transportation.

Construction began two years ago on the project, which also involves repaving the roadway and replacing sidewalks, curbs and street lights.

The minister's call is being met by criticism from advocates and the Opposition NDP.

Non-profit bike shop Bike Edmonton says the minister needs to stay in his own lane and stop interfering in city planning.