Calgary,
01
June
2023
|
11:00
America/Denver

E-Bike pilot at two CTrain stations offers first 10 minutes free

ebike 2In recognition of Bike Month in June, The City of Calgary is celebrating with a new pilot program and safety campaign aimed at e-Bike users.

Beginning today, we are making 30 shared e-Bikes available for use at two CTrain stations – Franklin and Canyon Meadows. Under the pilot program, the two micromobility providers, Bird Canada and Neuron, have agreed to give riders, who jump on an e-Bike at one of the two stations, the first 10 minutes free, once a day.

These shared e-Bikes can be used within the programmed areas around the CTrain station within the communities.

“This pilot will help The City understand the demand for shared e-Bikes in suburban areas and where people are using them to travel to and from,” says Erin Felker, Transportation Planner with Planning and Development Services.

“If we see a large interest in the number of people who take advantage of this program, we could potentially expand to more Transit stations in the coming years.”

For the pilot, The City will be using funds received from the micromobility companies to reinvest back into Calgary’s e-Bike and e-Scooter programs.

Customers can access the service through the micromobility provider’s apps – Bird Canada at the Canyon Meadows station and Neuron at the Franklin station. Representations from the two companies will be on hand today at the CTrain stations to promote the pilot and answer questions about using their apps and the ride zones. 

“We know our customers want options for how they access Transit, and we want our system to be able to accommodate their preferences,” says Jon Lea, Senior Consultant with Calgary Transit. “Allowing e-Bikes at stations beyond downtown is a great opportunity for customers to explore different first and last mile connections and see what works for them.”

Be Safe, Ride Smart 23-0029742 - ADV-20292 - Mobility - eBike Safety - Graphics - 1080x1920-B

To coincide with Bike Month and the kick-off of the e-Bike pilot, we are launching a cycling safety campaign.

Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in the use of e-Bikes and e-Scooters on Calgary pathways.

“While this is a welcome change, it also brings with it some growing concerns around safety for those riding electronic devices and other pathway users,” says Jacquelyn Oriold, Education Specialist with Mobility Safety. “As our pathway network grows, there will always remain spaces where people who cycle, walk and wheel must safely share the space.”

To keep everyone safe, we want to remind Calgarians about the rules around riding bikes, e-Bikes and e-Scooters on our pathways.

People cycling on pathways must obey the following City of Calgary Bylaws:

·       Keep speed to a maximum 20km/h unless otherwise posted.

·       Use of an audible signal (such as a bell) when overtaking another pathway user.

·       Bicycle helmets must be worn by all bicycle riders and passengers under the age of 18.

·       Electric or power-assist bicycles: Bicycle helmets must be worn by all riders and passengers, regardless of age.

“E-Bikes are heavier and can travel at higher speeds so it’s really important to keep an eye on your speed when riding one,” says Oriold. “Pay extra attention around corners and blind spots. And remember to use your bell, horn, or use your voice to alert others when passing or approaching a blind spot such as a corner or hill.”

Other tips include:

·       Take extra care when passing others and while in congested areas

·       Where twinned sections of pathway exist, use the designated cycle path.

·       Move off the path to the right when stopping.

·       Ride single file.

·       Keep to the right side of the pathway except when passing.

·       Always pay close attention to others on the pathway and practice courteous behaviour.

Learn more about the rules and related fines at Calgary.ca/BeSafe.