City looking to focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety in Marda Loop masterplan
After years of engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders, the city is planning to move forward with the Streetscape Masterplan for Marda Loop.
Pedestrian safety, parking and bike lanes are the focus of the multi-million dollar proposal.
33 Avenue SW is the central corridor for business and vehicle traffic through the community.
On 34 Avenue, the city plans to construct bike lanes to alleviate pressure on cyclists when riding near heavy traffic.
Although a final design has not been approved, there are three scenarios the city is considering.
Option A looks at one-way vehicle traffic, with two parking lanes and a cycling track on the south side of the street.
Option B looks at two-way vehicle traffic, with a parking lane on the north side, while a cycling track is created on the south side, including a pedestrian path.
Option C would see the road stay as is, with mixed traffic being allowed on the road, including cyclists and vehicles.
Bike Calgary believes the creation of bike lanes is what is needed in Marda Loop.
"It would be safe or could be safe, only if it is designed properly," said spokesperson Garry Lohuis.
"We would be very much in favour of a separated bike lane track. We're not anti-car. We're just really pro-safety for bicycles."
Some residents in the area believe adding bike lanes in the area would be a good idea.
Kate Bowering says the city should install bike lanes, but it has to accommodate everybody, and that includes alleviating any pressure on traffic back-ups if parking becomes an issue.
"It's not one thing to say we need bike lanes on 34 Ave. I think it needs to be a very thoughtful approach," said Bowering.
Another resident tells CTV news he is a cyclist but believes the project would be a waste of time.
"I think it's a bad idea. It will just make the traffic worse, and everybody that rides a bike, I ride a bike all the time just goes over a block or two to be on the nice quiet streets," he said.
Officials say temporary improvement measures such as wheelchair ramps and traffic-calming curbs will be installed along 34 Avenue between 14 Street and 20 Street. The curbs will be installed in the new year.
The city will host a virtual open house on Dec. 1, where the project will be presented and allow for a question and answer session.
The city says it is taking key engagements with those impacted that will take place until Dec. 15.
Previous engagement sessions showed a multi-use path option is what most felt would be the ideal solution, the city says.
This would see shared pathways on one side of the road for cyclists and pedestrians while still preserving on-street parking on both sides.
No date has been set for construction.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.