Calgary Cycling Paths & Infrastructure

[Radley77]

How they voted: to pursue Calgary bike sharing
by Jason Markusoff, Calgary Herald

Subject: To request city staff report in October on both the progress of the cycling strategy’s implementation, and on a business model and funding strategy for a public bike sharing program. Jan 25, Transportation and Transit Committee

For: Diane Colley-Urquhart (chair), Druh Farrell, Ray Jones, Shane Keating, John Mar, Brian Pincott

Against: Gian-Carlo Carra, Peter Demong, Dale Hodges, Gord Lowe

Passes, 6-4. Moves to a February council meeting for final vote.

Carra’s opposition came despite his avowed love of bike sharing programs in other cities, and the idea in general. He feels that city hall is moving way too early by planning the bike share at the same time as it devises its network of on-street bike lanes in the core.

On a second vote, they considered whether to stipulate that not a cent of civic funding go into the operations or startup equipment purchases for a bike share.

For: Diane Colley-Urquhart (chair), Gian-Carlo Carra, Peter Demong, Dale Hodges, Shane Keating

Against: Druh Farrell, Ray Jones, Gord Lowe, John Mar, Brian Pincott

Loses on a 5-5 tie. Moves to a February council meeting.

Reference: http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2012/01/25/how-they-voted-to-pursue-calgary-bike-sharing/

Personally, I think the bikeshare is too preliminary and agree should work on implementation of Centre City cycling infrastructure first.

[UofC.engineer]

For PBS to be successful separated bike lanes such as cycle tracks must be implemented in downtown to ensure the safety of cyclists. This is especially true if the city wants to increase the number of cyclists and if the PBS does not provide helmets(which it won't, and I won't want to use one anyway, it would probably get really dirty and gross after a while).

For a bike network to be successful everyone of all ages must feel comfortable using the infrastructure and I don't believe bike lanes provides this sense of security. Although I hate to admit it, Vancouver is years ahead by providing exceptional bike infrastructure through it's downtown.

http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/separated/index.htm

[Radley77]

Originally Posted by UofC.engineer

For PBS to be successful separated bike lanes such as cycle tracks must be implemented in downtown to ensure the safety of cyclists. This is especially true if the city wants to increase the number of cyclists and if the PBS does not provide helmets(which it won't, and I won't want to use one anyway, it would probably get really dirty and gross after a while).

For a bike network to be successful everyone of all ages must feel comfortable using the infrastructure and I don't believe bike lanes provides this sense of security. Although I hate to admit it, Vancouver is years ahead by providing exceptional bike infrastructure through it's downtown.

http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/separated/index.htm

Totally agreed. Putting in PBS now is like installing a ski lift to a peak where you have to take a black diamond route.

There are many more compelling opportunities out there for cycling infrastructure.

[fusili]

Originally Posted by Radley77

Totally agreed. Putting in PBS now is like installing a ski lift to a peak where you have to take a black diamond route.
There are many more compelling opportunities out there for cycling infrastructure.

Sweet man! Gets rid of the noobs.

[Ramsayfarian]

Originally Posted by fusili

Sweet man! Gets rid of the noobs.

Can also make for an entertaining chair ride as you watch them careen down the hill.

[Radley77]

From the Centre City Action Plan Map the following projects are supposed to be built this year. About a month ago, 10 Ave S had a painted non-separated cycling lane during rush hour and sharrows for off peak; I am not aware of any other projects currently under construction.

Upgrade Existing 2011-2012

• 9 Ave SE (4 St SE to 6 St SE) X
• 10 Ave (14 St SW to 3 St SE) √
• 11 St SW (Bow River Pathway to 13 Ave SW) X

Implement New 2011-2012

• 3 Ave SW (Bow River Pathway to 6 St SW) X
• 8 Ave SW "Stephen" (11 St SW to 3 St SW "Barclay") X
• 13 Ave SW (4 St SW to 1 St SE) X
• 7 St SW (Bow River Pathway to 8 Ave SW "Stephen") X
• 6 St SW (Eau Claire Ave SW to 8 Ave SW "Stephen") X
• 3 St SW "Barclay" (Bow River Pathway to 8 Ave SW "Stephen") X
• 1 St SE (Bow River Pathway to 4 Ave SE) X
• Macleod Trail SE (Bow River Pathway to 4 Ave SE) X
• 4 St SE (Bow River Pathway to 11 Ave SE) X

Legend
√ = Completed
▲ = In Progress
X = Not Started

[kw5150]

that is good news!

[Radley77]

Originally Posted by fusili

Sweet man! Gets rid of the noobs.

We tries to capture noobs and then release them. Cyclepalooza is having a planning meeting tonight. http://cyclepalooza.ca/

Hopefully, Bike Calgary puts on another One-Day Urban Cycling Skills Course again this year. http://bikecalgary.org/training

[ByeByeBaby]

Originally Posted by Radley77

Personally, I think the bikeshare is too preliminary and agree should work on implementation of Centre City cycling infrastructure first.

You don't want the perfect to be the enemy of the good, but good infrastructure is important for a bikeshare to be successful.

Current research on the topic:

This study finds a significant correlation between the presence of bicycle lanes and Capital Bikeshare usage, and also highlights the importance of population density and mixed-uses in encouraging ridership.

Bike Lanes and Other Determinants of Capital Bikeshare Trips

[Radley77]

Originally Posted by ByeByeBaby

You don't want the perfect to be the enemy of the good, but good infrastructure is important for a bikeshare to be successful.

Current research on the topic:

Bike Lanes and Other Determinants of Capital Bikeshare Trips

Thanks, hadn't read that yet! Calgary is so off from being perfect and doesn't really even have the resources in place to do the bikeshare.

As one example, it is not until 2013 until the City of Calgary plans to do a comprehensive engagement on routes. Is the CTP McLeod Tr bike lane really feasible or does it make more sense to upgrade 5 St SW instead? Obviously this is a critical north\south cycling arterial route, and there is a lack of detail on short term plans.

To further highlight how badly cycling concerns are not being addressed in the Centre City, I evaluated what neighbourhoods has the highest ratio of pedestrians to cyclists. Beltline was in the top 5. In order for bikeshare to be successful, Beltline needs to have the right infrastructure in place first and be reflected by a general acceptance of Beltliners who cycle to work. Calgary could probably add Beltline cyclists cheaply just by expanding sidewalk bike parking.

[UofC.engineer]

2012 Bike Map was released recently.

http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Pathways/Calgary-pathways-and-bikeways-map.aspx

Looks good! More of the Calgary greenway was built along the ring road. However there are still many gaps in the system.

[UofC.engineer]

I hate Vancouver and the Canucks but I gotta say they are doing some amazing things with cycling infrastructure. Check out this video http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/separated/dunsmuir.htm


I wish a cycle track like this could be built along 6th ave from 11th street SW -> 6th street S.E. It would be able to tie into the pathway system perfectly. I find it hard to believe there are no continous East -> West links planned in the Cycling Strategy through Downtown.


And if a lane of traffic was taken out on 6th ave for a cycle track it would give Rick Bell new writing material for at least a year.

[Calgarian]

Originally Posted by UofC.engineer

I hate Vancouver and the Canucks but I gotta say they are doing some amazing things with cycling infrastructure. Check out this video http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/separated/dunsmuir.htm


I wish a cycle track like this could be built along 6th ave from 11th street SW -> 6th street S.E. It would be able to tie into the pathway system perfectly. I find it hard to believe there are no continous East -> West links planned in the Cycling Strategy through Downtown.


And if a lane of traffic was taken out on 6th ave for a cycle track it would give Rick Bell new writing material for at least a year.

It would give the whole sun ammo for a year. Speaking of bike lanes, has the one on 10St worked out at all? I know the sun was going ape shit about it, but does anyone actually use it?

[fusili]

Originally Posted by Calgarian

It would give the whole sun ammo for a year. Speaking of bike lanes, has the one on 10St worked out at all? I know the sun was going ape shit about it, but does anyone actually use it?

IMO, unless the bike lane is somehow physically separated, either with a curb or raised paving, it is useless. I see people using the lane occassionally, but it was exactly the same as before. If the city wants to actually support cycling in the downtown it has to grow a pair and implement actual bike lanes. "Sharrows" and painted lines don't work. Cars ignore them, and they don't make cyclists feel any safer.

[Radley77]

Originally Posted by UofC.engineer

2012 Bike Map was released recently.

http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Pathways/Calgary-pathways-and-bikeways-map.aspx

Looks good! More of the Calgary greenway was built along the ring road. However there are still many gaps in the system.

That's great. Thanks! A couple new routes I wasn't aware of, not sure if they had the snow removal routes listed before either. I like that they listed a couple of retailers like Patagonia. Having clothes that are suitable for Calgary climate is a must-have.

[UofC.engineer]

Originally Posted by Calgarian

It would give the whole sun ammo for a year. Speaking of bike lanes, has the one on 10St worked out at all? I know the sun was going ape shit about it, but does anyone actually use it?

It's too early to say since the lanes were only installed in fall, and thus the tail end of the season. This summer will be the true test. So if you live in the area around Sait and confederation park hop on a bike and put the lanes to use.

[Radley77]

Originally Posted by Calgarian

It would give the whole sun ammo for a year. Speaking of bike lanes, has the one on 10St worked out at all? I know the sun was going ape shit about it, but does anyone actually use it?

I suspect there will be an uptick in use on 10 St NW when the Peace Bridge goes into action. This ties 10 St NW to 4 Ave NW to 7 St NW to Peace Bridge into the downtown. The few times I've either drove or biked by there hasn't been much bike use and there hasn't been any traffic congestion either. There had been quite a bit of gravel that had accumulated over winter on the side of 10 St NW bike lane but I believe that has now been cleaned up by roads.

I believe this work has already been done really to upgrade parts of 10 St NW as well north of 16 Ave to Northmount & 14 St NW:
http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TP/...ovements/10-St-key-plan-and-sections.pdf

IMO: 10 St NW seems to have the opportunity to become a fairly well used cycling arterial. The feedback I have heard so far is that 10th Ave S is not going as well as 10 St NW.

[DavidKuitunen]

The S-Trains already are the envy of transportation planners around the world. These new cars are put other subways in check. Brilliant idea to have them enter in one door, and exit via one way the other. So efficient.

Copenhagen is doubling the space for bikes on a number of its suburban trains to meet growth stimulated by the switch to free bike travel.

The Copenhagen S-train has also introduced one-way traffic in the new bike compartments to make it easier and faster to get on and off.

Ten S-Trains are being remodelled with the new compartments, which are in the middle of the train so that there is more space for bikes on the platform.

The train system in the Danish capital is being gradually improved for travellers with bikes as increasing numbers of passengers are combining bike and train for their commute.

Link to website.

It would be great if the Calgary Transit would retrofit a few cars too accommodate bikes like this.

[kw5150]

Cool trains. Its like a whole other world over there.

[UofC.engineer]

I applied for the position of Cycling Coordinator today! We'll see what happens

http://recruiting.calgary.ca/psc/pdhr/?cmd=login&errorPg=ckreq&languageCd=ENG