Hi there, new to the forum and relatively new to Edmonton. My question is for members from Edmonton, I'm living downtown and working on the west end (approx. 170 st and 115 ave). I've made some attempts at commuting via my road bike but really haven't had much luck, perhaps someone can give me some insight into decent routes.

I've tried the major arteries (102 ave, 107 ave, 111 ave, 118 ave) but I've noticed Edmonton doesn't seems real big on building roads with shoulders and there also seems to be a lot of gravel / debris on the roads. The problem with side streets is then you need to cross the major north / south corridors.

Maybe I'm just clueless in terms of routes or been running into some bad luck but my initial impressions of Edmonton is that other than the river valley for purely recreational riding, it's a rather bike unfriendly city. Hopefully I'm wrong on that, anyone have any comments / suggestions.

Thanks.

Hey EEEEtown,
Well, I have lived in and around Edmonton for 28 years (and commute from Sherwood Park to Downtown). I have to say sorry, Edmonton is not a bike friendly city. It is even worse now that everybody and their dog has a jacked up 4x4 and thinks they are king of the road.....anyhoo, back to your question. I suggest going to your LBS or MEC and picking up a trail map (also has roads). These maps are free and are pretty good at giving good directions. I hope that helps in some way.
Cheers
Mike

I dont think edmonton is so bad, unless you want to lock your bike up.
You have to go south from jasper ave right? I think the hi-level bridge is probably the way to go, if your going north, 109 is great. If your going south there are alot of good mup that should get you there. I might be thinking of the wrong place when you say 170 and 115, but i think multi-use paths are the way to go in that area.