If you’re new to urban bicycle transportation or have a will to try it, then this article is for you!
Downtown is built for wheeling
Calgary’s physical downtown environment is changing with redeveloped pathways along the south bank of the Bow River through downtown neighbourhoods. Pathways are mode-separated downtown, delineating between pedestrians and those who are wheeling.
They’re also beautifully designed with gentle curves that mimic the natural contours of the Bow River, vibrant and diverse garden beds situated alongside and an expanding tree canopy overhead.
Additionally, the protected downtown 5A (always available for all ages and abilities) mobility tracks have been in place since 2015. More recently, the City expanded the mobility tracks to ensure links are in place to other 5A wheeling infrastructure, facilitating safer and calmer trips throughout the greater downtown and beyond.
Urban bike accessorizing: small upgrades, big payoff
A few inexpensive accessories can quickly transform a bicycle from something you ride, to something you rely on. These will work together with your bike to unlock its potential as a viable, attractive urban transport choice.
- First, add full fenders. Fenders keep you comfortable on the bike and feel like you have a superpower in inclement weather conditions. The grit and moisture stay on the road rather than form an undignified stripe up your backside.
- Second, add a rack or basket. Having capacity to carry things on your bike opens up options for your bicycle to be a convenient transportation choice, even a means to replace car trips with bike trips. Taking the load off your hands or back and placing it, instead, on your bike transforms a mundane errand into a pleasant ride experience.
Building a habit, one trip at a time
You don’t need special gear, perfect weather or even confidence on day one. Start with an urban bike transportation habit: start simply; start small. Replace one car trip per week. Use your bike for groceries on those trips when you just need a few items. Take the bicycle to meet your friends in the Beltline or load up your bike and picnic on Prince’s Island.
As you build the habit, you will develop comfort on the routes, foster familiarity on the patterns of mixed traffic movement and establish confidence on the bike. You may be surprised by how often you’ll challenge yourself to try something new by bike. Enjoy every win.
The transformative power of the human-scale experience
Bicycles are an example of the human scale. They are open air and engage all of the senses. They move through places comparatively slowly, allowing more time to ponder the BUMP mural on your route, greet a friend in passing and stop in place for a meaningful catch-up and divert from your path because the sound of water rippling over a stone riverbed engages your curiosity and wonder.
The bike calls for your whimsy. Let it take you places. Start with one ride. Downtown is closer than you think.
About the author
Brett Bergie is a senior strategic policy consultant for Downtown Strategy at the City of Calgary. She makes her home in the greater downtown area with her family, and they move around the city and region by foot, bicycle and public transit. An active contributor to Calgary’s bike community, Brett organizes monthly social group rides under the banner of the Calgary Brompton League. While inspired by her love of Brompton folding bikes, the rides welcome people on all types of bikes—and to anyone curious about exploring the city by cycling.
