Calgary to debate new cycle track network plan

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi is suggesting that the city use temporary barriers for the proposed dedicated two-way cycle track network as a test-run before committing to permanent barriers on the roads. The city committee will discuss the network at a meeting on Wednesday.

The city’s first cycle track opened on Seventh Street S.W. last July and has had mainly positive reviews, increasing the number of people riding bikes.

The second track that is proposed for First Street S.E. is a high-traffic area and a traffic lane would need to be removed from the road in order to accommodate the track. It has had some opposition from city councillors because it is a busier street.

The cycle track network plan was revealed earlier this month. Tracks are also proposed for Eighth Street S.W., Fifth Street S.W., Eighth Avenue, Ninth Avenue and Twelfth Avenue.

According to a report in the Calgary Herald, the city might test the cycle tracks using plastic barriers, before installing concrete barriers. “We won’t know how many people will use a track unless there’s a track there,” said Nenshi. “See how many people use it and see what the impact on motorists is, and then make a decision to adjust it based on that.”