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In some cases, the new downtown bike lanes replace lanes previously occupied by cars. McKeen says the city is already getting angry emails and calls resulting from the changes.

“It’s another construction project and it’s snarling traffic, so people are particularly annoyed, I suspect, because it’s snarled for bike lanes. I get that,” says McKeen.

More than seven kilometres of bike paths will be installed over the summer to facilitate the Downtown Bike Network. A detailed map is online at edmonton.ca/projects. A major corridor, running along 106 Street between 100 Avenue and 105 Avenue, is already close to completion.

Chan says his group is excited to see new routes shaping up and they plan events to mark progress throughout the summer, including a Birds and Bees outing July 15 which will see cyclists travel new routes to visit urban beehives and backyard hens. Art and architecture tours — and bike tune-up events utilizing the lanes — are also in the works, along with a bike ambassador program to pair new bicycle commuters with veterans.

Chan expects pushback from motorists who resent losing a lane to cyclists, but hopes to win support over time.

“Providing good bike infrastructure is a question of public health,” says Chan.

The answer to congestion downtown is not building more lanes for cars, he says.

“You have to look at how to move people in and out of downtown and have fewer cars. Bicycles are one of those ways.”

Kristi Bland, the city’s communications adviser for the downtown bike network, says Edmontonians can call 311 with their concerns about bike paths. She says the city will announce bike path education and awareness programs shortly.

lfaulder@postmedia.com