The federal and city governments have committed approximately $5 million in funding to build segregated cycling infrastructure in southwest Calgary through the Beltline.
Both 14th Avenue and 15th Avenue in southwest Calgary have painted bike lanes now, but will be upgraded soon.
Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal and Randy Boissonault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, were in Calgary on Friday to announce joint funding of $4.9 million to improve active transportation infrastructure.
“This is probably the biggest investment in cycling and wheeling infrastructure in the city in a decade since the initial cycle track pilot network was launched,” said Peter Oliver, chairman. Beltline Neighborhoods Association,
“This is identifying one of the many remaining gaps in the active mode, infrastructure network we have.”
Protected bicycle track will be built along 15th Avenue between 12th Street SW and 1st Street SE
The funding will also pay for pedestrian infrastructure upgrades, such as curb extensions, marked crossings, lighting and widened sidewalks on both sides.
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“This is such a huge win and great investment for the Beltline, but also towards an overall transformation of Calgary’s downtown into a more exciting destination and more livable community,” Oliver said.
“It’s a win even if you don’t go to the Beltline or live in the Beltline. It’s an investment in more efficient infrastructure, which will ultimately make Calgary a more efficient city to operate and a less expensive city to operate said Oliver.
Oliver said there has been overwhelming support from residents and businesses for safer mobility tracks and safety improvements on 14th Avenue and 15th Avenue.
The new lane will be just south of one of Calgary’s busiest bicycle tracks on 12th Avenue. There have been calls for northeast Calgary to receive more walking and wheeling infrastructure as well.
Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal said all Calgarians deserve to get to their destinations safely.
“It is important that we work together with the City. We see non-existent bike lanes in Northeast Calgary and we need to invest more in Northeast Calgary. We need to make sure that infrastructure is enhanced and Our government will be there to make sure we support further investment in northeast Calgary,” Chahal said.
Cyclists say the project will provide a more reliable cycling network for Calgarians and visitors.
“I think the funding announcement is wonderful. People really need to move to that area of the city and what we have today is really short,” said Kimberly Nelson, former president of Bike Calgary.
He said that currently the painted lanes are not completely safe.
“Not with the gate area. It doesn’t clear properly with some snow in the winter. It’s tight and there’s a lot of unsafe passing going on in those two lanes right now.
“If I’m looking for a comfortable ride where I know exactly what to expect, isolated infrastructure will always be my favorite.
“If I were taking the kids for a ride just to go to the local store, or to get ice cream – there is great ice cream and food out there – I wouldn’t want to take them down a painted street. cycle track,” Nelson said.
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The federal government is putting in $2.94 million from its active transportation fund, while the city is contributing $1.96 million.
A timeline for construction will be announced at a later date.
Calgarians also participated in International Winter Bike Day on Saturday.
Bike Calgary hosted the event in the city in conjunction with Global Ride Together Day. The organization encouraged people to get out and bike at several designated sites across the city.
Riders were encouraged to visit seven “hot spots” located around the city to get their “passports” stamped.
“It’s accessible to everyone and we’re having a lot of fun seeing families ride bikes,” Nelson said. “We’ve put together maps of seven hot spots across the city where people can come and get stamped, win some prizes and really find out how easy it is to bike four or five kilometers in a short amount of time. “
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