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This is the best way forward in responding to complaints from Edmontonians who got stuck on residential streets this winter, Dziadyk said.

“Resources out clearing bike lanes are taking away resources from other roadways,” he said. “It’s about common sense and what should be done in the city so that people can get around.”

Dziadyk’s argument doesn’t sit well with Alberta Cycling Coalition co-chairman Aaron Schooler, who rides 9.5 km on the protected bike lanes to work every day. Not clearing these paths right away would be a safety issue for cyclists and encourage them not to use the infrastructure the city has paid for, he said.

“It would be a bummer, definitely, if they downgrade that,” he said. “I think, honestly, the city is doing a good job of balancing all of it.”

Providing a lower level of service on the bike lanes is an option the city will bring forward in a report back to council in June on a variety of different proposals to improve snow clearing and the residential blading program, Cebryk said. City staff will provide a memo to council next week outlining what will be included in the report so any necessary motions can be made ahead of time if more options are desired.

Other concerns raised by councillors during the mid-season update carried over from Wednesday include delayed residential blading in cul-de-sacs because the city doesn’t own the necessary equipment and next steps to address an anonymous 11-page letter from apparent parks and road services employees criticizing the current snow clearing procedures.

The letter is being reviewed by city auditor David Wiun as a whistleblower submission but would need the direction of council to add a full investigation to his already approved work plan for the year.

duscook@postmedia.com

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