Calgary to announce city cycle track network

Calgary is expected to announce the plans for a network of cycle tracks on Thursday. The roughly six new cycle tracks are intended to improve safety for cyclists and connect communities in the downtown area.

“The cycle tracks we’re proposing, they’re really built for everyone,” said City of Calgary spokesperson, Ryan Murray, in the Calgary Herald. “We’re not just looking for people who have a bike in their garage now.

“With cycle tracks, it’s a new way of thinking about transportation in Calgary and it’s an important way to think about transportation in Calgary. We want to offer that choice that doesn’t exist now. Cycle tracks are built for people to use who are eight to 80. It’s really transportation for all.”

The first dedicated cycle track opened in July on Seventh Street S.W. and has had primarily positive reviews, increasing the number of trips by bicycle from 250 to 1,100 per day.

The second cycle track is proposed for First Street S.E., but it has met some opposition from Coun. Sean Chu, who suggested the space for the cycle track be taken from the sidewalk instead of the roadway.

The public is invited to an open house event at the Hotel Arts on Thursday between 5 and 8 p.m. to view a draft of the proposed cycle track network plan and provide feedback.

City Council is expected to review and vote on the entire cycle track network plan in April.