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Mayor Don Iveson says a recent case of racism against a cyclist shows the need for better cycling infrastructure in the downtown core.

“I can’t tell you how frustrating it is having been a cyclist and a cycling advocate for years and that we have taken steps backwards as a city on this,” he said, adding that better infrastructure is shown to reduce conflict on the road. “I think council is ready to make some investments in our downtown.”

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Iveson said the issue of infrastructure was raised by Bashir Mohamed during a discussion with city staff following a racist incident.

Mohamed was cycling through a construction zone on 104 Avenue near the new arena on Friday evening when he moved into the centre of the lane because the street was too narrow for cars to pass him safely. He got into a verbal altercation with the driver behind him, and it escalated to a point where the driver was shouting offensive language. Mohamed said he felt threatened.