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Learn how to travel with new and existing bike routes on your bike, in your car, and on foot.
These lanes are installed on some one way streets to give bikes a dedicated lane to ride against the flow of traffic.
Painted bike lanes reserve space on the road exclusively for bikes
Protected bike lanes are on-street bike lanes protected from moving and parked vehicles by a physical barrier. Protected bike lanes may allow for travel in one or both directions.
A seasonal program to support active modes of travel and provide more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors during the warm season.
People cycle and drive along the roadway. These routes are marked with blue or green bike route signs or painted markings on the roadway.
The Safe Passing Distance Bylaw provides clear guidance for how much room people driving need to leave to safely pass people biking on the street.
In your vehicle:
On your bike:
Shared pathways, which are paved, and trails, that are hard packed with gravel, wood chips or dirt, are for many activities. You can bike, walk, run and more.
Some sidewalks may be designated as Shared Pathways or Shared Use Sidewalks. Watch for signs. Shared-use sidewalks are typically 2.5 m or wider and are marked with signs that indicate that they are shared. Watch for signs.
A complete list of shared-use sidewalks is available under Bicycle Highways in the Traffic Listing Document.
Bicycle signals are located throughout the city’s bike network. When present, refer to these signals when crossing intersections.
Bike-triggered crossings help people cycling to cross at intersections.
Green Bike Boxes painted in a driving lane allow people cycling to do two things:
Get Behind It - The Bike Box 3 Way Intersection
Get Behind It - The Bike Box 4 Way Intersection
Bike Box Video: Turning Left on a Red
Green Bike Turn Boxes painted at intersections provide people cycling with a safe way to turn left or right. These boxes can be found in the bike lane or in a driving lane.
Note: Crossing two lanes of traffic to make a left or right turn from a protected bike lane is not permitted.
Striped green paint indicates that a bike lane is crossing an intersection or accessway such as an alleyway or entrance into a parking lot.
Two stage crossings allow people to pause between crossing each direction of traffic and narrow the street to calm and slow traffic and shorten crossing distance.
On your bike:
A raised crossing brings the level of the roadway to that of the adjacent bus stop. Transit users will be getting on and off the bus at this location.
When a shared pathway crosses an intersection, the crosswalk may be lined with white squares. The Elephant feet markings indicate that you are in a shared space.
The Province of Alberta Traffic Safety Act, the City of Edmonton Traffic Bylaw #5590 and the City of Edmonton Parkland Bylaw #2202 contain formal regulations regarding bicycle traffic and use of transportation and parkland facilities.
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. They're allowed on all roads as well as shared pathways, bike lanes, and bike routes.
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles and must obey all rules of the road. They're allowed on all roads as well as shared pathways, bike lanes and bike routes.
Bicycles are not required to be licensed or registered. A bicycle licence is not required for police officers to enforce the current traffic laws. Cyclists are accountable in the same way that motor vehicle drivers are, and may be ticketed in accordance with local and provincial legislation.
In order to make our streets safer for everyone regardless of how they move around Edmonton, the City has passed a Charter Bylaw to set minimum safe passing distances that motor vehicle drivers need to give cyclists when passing them on the road.
The required distance is a minimum of 1 metre between the vehicle and the bicycle where the posted speed limit is 60 km/h or less, and 1.5 metres between the vehicle and the bicycle where the posted speed limit is greater than 60 km/h. This change went into effect on September 30, 2021.
Cyclists should not pass between two occupied vehicles, even if they are stopped at a red light.
Use caution and be mindful of the door zone when cycling past or exiting a parked car. The Door Zone is the area along the side of a parked car where an opening door can hit and seriously injure a cyclist.
When riding in a bike lane, ride on the left side of the lane-away from parked cars. Try to look inside each parked car before you pass. If you’re unable to see if someone is inside, or if you spot someone inside, move outside the Door Zone or slow down and pass carefully.
When parked on the side of the road, do a shoulder check, over your left shoulder before opening your door to ensure there are no oncoming cyclists. Opening the door with your right hand will remind you to do a shoulder check.
Cycling on the sidewalk is not permitted except for bikes with a 50cm wheel diameter or less, such as kids’ bikes.
Standard size bicycles are only allowed on signed, shared sidewalks that are 2.5m wide or greater and shared pathways.
Where permitted by signs to use a sidewalk, always give right-of-way to pedestrians and always give audible warning of your approach.
Shared pathways and Trails are used for a variety of activities, including walking, running and cycling.
Hours of Operation: 5am-11pm daily
Parks and trails are monitored by Park Rangers, who provide bylaw enforcement and education to park users.
People on bikes are responsible for following these rules:
Cyclists are required to have certain equipment based on provincial and municipal regulations. Essential equipment when cycling:
Alberta Traffic Safety Act, Part 6 Division 5 Section 111 & 112:
By law bicycles must be equipped with adequate steering and brakes that will lock wheels on dry, clean, level pavement.
Bicycle Equipment – Part 6 Division 5 Section 113
Cyclists must sound a warning device, such as a horn or bell, before passing pedestrians on shared pathways and must always give them the right of way.
City of Edmonton Traffic Bylaw 5590 - Part III Sidewalks and Boulevards - Section 50
Alberta Traffic Safety Act - Horn, Bell - Section 60
When riding after dark, bicycles must have a front headlight, a red tail light and a red rear reflector. Reflective vests and other lightly coloured clothes with reflective tape are recommended for extra visibility.
Cyclists should consider using the following equipment to improve visibility and safety:
Brightly coloured or reflective clothing make cyclists more visible on roads and paths. Weather specific clothing will keep you warm, dry, and prepared for any temperature changes. Glasses and gloves will protect you from dust and debris. Wear a helmet with a hard outer shell and crushable, foam lining. Don’t wear headphones or earbuds: hearing traffic is an essential part of safe riding.
Trailers may be difficult for motorists to see. Use a red flag on the trailer at rider height to alert motorists of your presence.
Saddlebags, racks, baskets and small backpacks are great ways to free your hands for safe riding.
Learn how to navigate along the existing bike routes on your bike, in your car, and on foot.
Cycling on the sidewalk is not permitted except for bikes with a 50 cm wheel diameter or less, such as kids’ bikes.
Here are a few risks of riding on the sidewalk:
Some sidewalks may be designated as shared sidewalks and shared pathways. Watch for signs.
Based on the Traffic Safety Act, all rules that apply to pedestrians also apply to individuals operating mobility aids, therefore people using mobility aids are not permitted in bike lanes and should use the sidewalk instead.
If you are travelling on transit with your bike, more information can be found at Bikes and E-scooters on ETS.
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If you are calling from outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311
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