Edmonton's Scramble Crosswalks vs Bus Lanes Debate

0:00Edmonton City planners want to scrap those diagonal scramble crosswalks on White Avenue, just five years after putting them in. The move clears space for dedicated bus lanes at spots like Gateway Boulevard, 104th Street and 105th Street. News hit the city's website quietly last week, sparking quick backlash. Counselor Michael Jans from Ward, PA, jumped in right away. He is hearing from folks who love have a crosswalk slow traffic and boost foot traffic. Last year, 32 Edmontonians died in road crashes, so street design matters big time for safety. Jans is not totally against bus priority, but he wants the city's numbers on transit delays from longer crossings. He points out White Avenue thrives on shoppers and strollers, not commuters racing to Sherwood Park. More pedestrians mean more dollars spin in shops and spots for festivals. The city argues those corner-to-corner walks slow buses too much. They plan curb extensions and stricter turn rules to protect walkers if scrambles go.

1:01Removing parking for bus lanes might help speeds anyway, but details are fuzzy. This debate pits quicker buses against safer, livelier streets, watch for council talks to hash it out soon. Local news powered by AI. This is Canada News Today.