Calgary has opened its first cycle track downtown

People riding bikes in the downtown have a new, protected space to ride on with the two-way 7 Street S.W. cycle track officially opening today. Downtown’s first cycle track connects the Bow River Pathway and Peace Bridge through the heart of downtown’s west end to 8 Avenue S.W., a shared road for bikes and vehicles.

 

“There are more people riding into the downtown and more places catering to bikes in the downtown,” explains Transportation Planning director Don Mulligan. “Cycle tracks are the missing link for cyclists and are the most protected place to travel by bike in one of the busiest areas of Calgary- the downtown core.”

 

Since 2006 there has been a 35 per cent increase in bicycle trips into and out of the downtown area. “The need is there,” continues Mulligan. “Every development permit that comes through The City for the downtown area includes bicycle parking and locker rooms in the building design.” With this growing trend, there is a need to connect cyclists to these and other parking opportunities in the downtown area, such the new secure bike parking spaces at Calgary Parking Authority parkades and the new parking spaces along 7 Street S.W.

 

With new traffic signals, road signs and green coloured asphalt, 7 Street S.W. provides a more predictable space for people who ride bicycles, walk and drive. For those people thinking of riding into work but who are intimidated by the high traffic volumes, the protected cycle track is an ideal environment for them to try travelling by bike.

 

“Cycling can be a reliable and consistent way to travel in terms of commuting times when there’s traffic congestion.” comments Transportation General Manager Mac Logan. “For example, when roads close or are restricted from construction, in most cases bicycles can safely travel through the area without delay, or use Calgary’s extensive pathway network instead.”

 

As part of making Calgary a bicycle friendly city, the Council-approved Cycling Strategy directs Administration to plan, design and build more bikeways and establish an east-west/north-south cycle track network in the downtown core. Through 2013, The City is working with citizens to establish the remaining east-west/north-south cycle track network with connections to the 7 Street S.W. cycle track.

 

More information on the 7 Street S.W. cycle track project and the centre city cycle track network is available at calgary.ca.