what we achieved

Aldermen launch cycling reviews in Calgary

In the middle of the Winter Olympics with morning commuting temperatures of –10°C, commuter cycling policy suddenly hit the agenda at City Council and dominated media coverage into March. In February, the first Notice of Motion (NM2010-10 MUP Speed Review moved by Alderman Ric McIver and seconded by Alderman Jim Stevenson) was presented to City Council. It asked for a review of speed, utilization, and safety on Calgary's Multiple Use Pathways (MUP). The motion was presented in Council on February 22nd and was spectacularly defeated 12-2. The Calgary tour de nuit Society was back in action on March 8th with cycling again dominating Council business. 

Our second attempt to highlight the need for dedicated cycling infrastructure to get 'more people cycling more often' called for a study of cycling implementation in Downtown Calgary. The notice of motion that passed (NM2010-12 Calgary Cycling Strategy) included a  a pathway safety review and a report on a city-wide comprehensive cycling (implementation) strategy. Several aldermen attempted to add clarity to the motion (ensuring the language used was all encompassing) and secure assurances from City Administrators that independent proposals such as the CtdnS 'Road Diet' would not be sidetracked by the reporting process. The pathway component of the Notice of Motion was identical to the motion that was defeated two weeks before except the word 'speed' was replaced by 'safety'. The Calgary tour de nuit Society was pleased to see the Notice of Motion passed unanimously by all aldermen. 

For the first time ever in Calgary, a cycling organization demonstrated the ability to successfully initiate and influence transportation policy by working with all aldermen. For the first time since Calgary was born in 1884, the cycling community has initiated the municipal legislative process to promote 'more people cycling more often'.

This initiative at City Council has resulted in over 30 articles in the media about cycling in Calgary during the four week period of the debate.  Throughout this period numerous aldermen spoke in favour of the City of Calgary developing dedicated commuter cycling infrastructure. The Calgary tour de nuit Society will continue to use its expertise and staff resouces to encourage the City to design and develop separate transportation facilities to encourage safer commuter cycling.