This week’s roundup is a quick lesson on why paint does not a transportation network make. We’re talking bike lanes.

But first…

28 community leagues sent a letter to council speaking out against the proposed bylaw changes related to infill in mature neighbourhoods. Unfortunately, the letter fails to say what specific issues they have.

The City bought 12 kicksleds for use in winter programs. You’re probably wondering what a kicksled is.

Some renderings of the new bridge for southeast LRT have been unveiled (also from the Sun). The proposed designs will go before council on Feb 20. Unfortunately the existing pedestrian bridge will be torn down and this pedestrian/bicycle route will be unavailable until the new bridge is complete.

Spacing did a Q&A with a couple Calgary Transit planners to figure out how transit planning works.

The City will not be going ahead with internet voting this fall. If not now, when?

Here’s some thoughts from Councillor Dave Loken on why he voted for the downtown arena. Here’s some thoughts from Councillor Kerry Diotte on why he didn’t. One of them presented their case in a numbered list. Can you guess who?

The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters and Oliver Community League are putting on an event on February 27 to work towards getting better bicycle infrastructure west of downtown.

There’s a bit of a fight brewing over the new bike lanes for this year. Some businesses in Richie are worried about their parking spots disappearing. Councillor Kerry Diotte has some thoughts too.

Which brings us to the…

Tweet of the Week

This week it’s a whole tweet-versation. Deal with it.

I’d love to vigorously defend the new #yegbike lanes going up this summer, but I just don’t see a lot of value there.

— Conrad Nobert (@GreenYEG) February 6, 2013

Why would I choose to run with the bulls on 76th Ave (lines or no line), when I can have a pleasant #yegbike ride on 75th or 77th? #yegcc

— Conrad Nobert (@GreenYEG) February 6, 2013

I think #yegbike community is asking for better infrastructure that is modeled on progressive bike cities. Let’s move beyond paint!

— Conrad Nobert (@GreenYEG) February 6, 2013

Agreed. MT @kerrydiotte: We’re spending millions to paint sharrows/lines on rds…it’d be better to spend on new off-road bike paths!

— Conrad Nobert (@GreenYEG) February 7, 2013

It’s not a good sign when both the pro- and anti-cyclist voices speak out against the bike lanes being thrown down around the city. Busy multi-lane roads aren’t good for cyclists and aren’t the best place for bike lanes, and quiet roads that are ideal for cycling don’t need them. What’s missing so far is consideration of a complete network that allows cyclists to easily and safely traverse the entire city. In short, more than paint is needed.

Paintbrush photo by Bev Sykes used under Creative Commons licence.