New bike lane coming to 102nd Avenue

City councillors have approved $8.8 million to build a new bike lane on 102nd Avenue, and they aren't going to settle for the same old lines on the road.

The cost estimate is based on the highest quality infrastructure being considered, which would include a lane separated from traffic by a median, but the actual price could be lower.

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Coun. Scott McKeen said he received lots of emails from people when they found out the lane wasnt funded in the proposed capital budget, and he encouraged other councillors to support it.

"It's overdue, it's worthwhile," Mckeen said.

In the end, council voted unanimously in favour of funding the project.

The city will also build a similar lane on 83rd Avenue, as part of an effort to build higher quality bike lanesclose to the core of the city. Construction for both those lanes could start as early as 2016.

Council also approved $20 million for an active transportation fund, which will help pay for things like shared-use paths and bike racks, among other things.