This small BC city doesn’t even want to talk about bike lanes for years

Just in case anyone was thinking times are changing and the safety of cyclists is improving enough to allow those who choose a bicycle as a means of transportation to be protected, have a look at what is happening in the very little town of Penticton, British Columbia.

In a move that could only be described as disheartening, the city council voted 4-3 to hit the brakes on constructing new separated bike lanes for the next three years, a decision that has left bicycle advocates disappointed and concerned.

“I think it exemplifies the cowardice of Council to stand up to the loud vocal few who oppose the lanes so vehemently,” read a comment on the Penticton and Area Cycling Association Facebook page. “At a time when other cities are expanding their infrastructure (i.e. Edmonton) it shows that Penticton is not interested in improving the livability of the City, or reducing its carbon footprint. So sad.”

This decision came following a motion put forward by Coun. Amelia Boultbee, a first-term councillor, which directed city staff to halt any work on new bike lanes with separated concrete barriers until the end of the current council term in 2026. According to a CBC article, Boultbee’s reasoning behind this motion was rooted in the feedback she received from voters during her campaign, who made it abundantly clear that they opposed the idea of new bike lanes.

PACA sent a statement via email outlining its concerns with city council’s decision.

“You have likely heard about City Councils decision to cease all work and all financial support to new bike lanes separated by concrete barriers until the next election in 2026,” read the email. “While this DOES NOT affect the completion of the Lake to Lake bike route, it does show a very concerning trend of creating controversy around cycling as a tactic for generating political support.”

PACA also outlined how well-used the current protected bike lane has been to this point with more than 85,000 separate rides through the Penticton intersection of Eckhardt and Martin and 200,000 separate rides through three tracked intersections.

“The motion did undergo an amendment, allowing for paint-only bike lanes to continue, as they can be implemented with relative ease and at a lower cost,” read the email. “Nevertheless, Boultbee also pushed for the removal of new bike lane-related items from the 2024 financial and corporate business plan before its adoption.”

According to the CBC article, during the council meeting, Boultbee emphasized the extensive outreach her team had conducted in the lead-up to the 2022 civic election, where they contacted nearly 1,000 residents. Their findings indicated a prevailing sentiment against bike lanes, with concerns about their cost and a lack of immediate enthusiasm for expansion.

Support for Boultbee’s motion came from Coun. James Miller, who highlighted the looming 8.4 percent tax increase for city residents and the urgent need for financial resources to tackle issues like the opioid crisis, homelessness, and crime.

Bustling downtown Penticton with loads of car parking taking up valuable road space

The decision hasn’t been well received by everyone. Mayor Julius Bloomfield expressed concerns about limiting future options and closing the door to discussions. He argued for maintaining an open stance on considering projects comprehensively in the future.

PACA urban cycling director Matt Hopkins expressed profound disappointment with the council’s decision.

Hopkins pointed out to the CBC in the article that the ongoing construction of the 6.7-kilometer protected bike lane known as the Lake-to-Lake Route, which is already seeing significant use, even though it’s only partially completed. The city’s count showed that 85,000 people have utilised this route, demonstrating its popularity and value.

“It’s really disappointing to see that [council decision], particularly when you can see — just even with a half-finished bike route — how many people are enjoying that and using it today,” Hopkins is quoted as saying.

PACA is encouraging local residents to contact their elected officials to convey support for safe and sustainable cycling in Penticton.

It is also worth noting that the city of Penticton has an official climate target of a 10 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and boasts transportation alternatives as part of its plan including a “shift beyond the car.”

Studies show the best way to get people out of their cars and onto bicycles is via protected and safe cycling infrastructure.

The decision to pause new separated bike lanes for three years in Penticton has left bicycle advocates disheartened, and for good reason.

While some argue for fiscal responsibility, others point to the evident popularity and benefits of existing cycling infrastructure, such as the partially completed Lake-to-Lake Route. This decision underscores the ongoing debate about the role of cycling infrastructure in a city’s development.