It’s not the master plan that was originally put forward, but residents of Calgary will be able to enjoy a cycle track in the downtown core.
Council voted the plan in 8-7 on Monday but made sure the proposal would not include a controversial section along 1 Street S.E.
The proposal, which will move forward with a pilot project opening next summer, will give cyclists a dedicated route from the Bow to Elbow River through the downtown core.
The tracks will be separated from other traffic along the route by a physical barrier.
The pilot project will cost just over $9M, but Nenshi hopes to find additional ways to reduce that cost.
“It’s really, really cheap to implement. We’re not actually building a lane, we’re just putting up some signage saying you can ride your bikes at certain times of the day. We will be able to tell very quickly if there’s a bad reaction between cyclists and pedestrians.”
There was concern during Monday’s debate about how much the cycle track would be used in the winter months.
Supporters of the track agree with the concern, but say that Calgary should build its track with special consideration to the weather.
“We have to build cycling infrastructure that is consistent with the reality of the weather we have and that means we have to build ones that are good for winter and cycle tracks are exceptionally good for winter,” says Dale Calkins with Bike Calgary. “They’re clearly marked, so it gives people a safer place to ride.”
Following the pilot, council will be re-evaluating the bike lane in fall 2016.
