Calgary

Calgary cycle track needs more connections to pathways, bike enthusiasts say

While the downtown bike lane project has been a big success, Bike Calgary says it should be expanded to include more connections to city’s pathway system.

City celebrates one millionth ride this week, but still room for improvement

Cyclists make their way down the 5th Street S.W. cycle track in Calgary. (CBC)

Sometime this week, the one millionth Calgarian will cruise along the city's downtown cycle track network.

The city will celebrate the milestone on Wednesday, handing out cookies on Fifth Street under the CPR overpass.

"It's certainly a lot more pleasant and there's a lot more people on bikes around me," said Bike Calgary president, Agustin Louro — who rides to and from work, year round.

"A lot more kids, more women, more families — just all kinds of people out there enjoying the ride."

This is how Bike Calgary president Agustin Louro gets around the city with his 3-month-old daughter. (Submitted)

While the number of people using the designated bike lanes has been increasing, Louro says there's still room for improvement.

Missing links

More connections are needed between the cycle track and the city's existing pathways, Louro told the Calgary Eyeopener on Monday.

He says a glaring example where there's a missing link is the west end of 12 Avenue near the Co-op grocery store.

"You pretty much got a dead end there. So the connection to an existing river path, for instance, would be fantastic over there. Same thing in the east, south of 5th street."


With files from the Calgary Eyeopener