Hate to say it but it's a little darker in the morning these days.
How was your ride today? how are your routes holding up this summer?
How was your ride today? (week of Aug 6th)
Submitted by RichieRich on
Hate to say it but it's a little darker in the morning these days.
How was your ride today? how are your routes holding up this summer?
Yelled at
Submitted by RichieRich on
Riding home yesterday heading North. I am riding on the sidewalk since there was no other option than to risk my life on Sarcee Trail at rush hour which is a non-starter as I've already had several near-death experiences on that road, including being actually hit. Over the course of an entire year (including winter commuting) I rarely encounter more than 10 people cumulatively on that path as it is so infrequently used. I am on the right side of the sidewalk. An oncoming runner is on his left side (ie same as "my" right side) and obviously sees me from 2-300meters away. He gets upset at me for being in "his" lane. What are your thoughts on this?
Similarly there is no "bike path" from Crowfoot area heading north (ie up Nosehill drive).
ranchero drive + hawkwood drive
Submitted by mikewarren on
For heading north up the same hill Nose Hill Drive climbs, I use a combination of Ranchero Drive and Hawkwood drive (basically the roads east of Nose Hill). I'm usually coming from under the Sarcee former-bus-trap "underpass".
There are few options to cross Crowchild Trail, so it depends where you're coming from, but if it's far enough west, 53rd is a "decent" bet (they claim there's bike lanes over that bridge on the bike path map, but there aren't). Take the next left off 53rd after crossing Crowchild and you can wiggle to the Sarcee underpass. Alternatively, use the overpass that accesses the CTrain station and get to the same road via the transit parking lot.
Instead of Nose Hill, you can go through the transit parking lot and over the bridge there into the "mall for cars" of Crowfoot (this is the official bike infrastructure, which is pretty grim):
View Larger Map
If you take the Crowfoot option, you'll want to head towards the lights at Crowfood ROAD and Nose Hill Drive. Although not allowed for cars, you can go straight east here and hit Range Drive NW to get to Hawkwood Drive. Alternatively, of course, ride Nose Hill east-side sidewalk to this point.
View Larger Map
If you are heading even further west, the combo of John Laurie Drive (west of Nose Hill Drive) and Arbour Lake Road or Drive isn't that bad and as a bonus is the only good way to get to the new pedestrian bridge over Stoney Trail north. (i.e. take John Laurie as it becomes Arbour Lake ROAD, turn right on Arbour Crest Drive and hop the curb to your left about half-way up the hill to get on the bike path which leads to the pedestrian bridge).
Ultimately, this latter option spits you out on a wrong-side sidewalk MUP on Country Hills or if you work a little, on 85th via neighbourhood roads. Either way, you're then stuck with Country Hills which is a designated bike way but lacks any sort of real bike infrastructure despite getting completely rebuild within the last few years.
There are a profusion of sidewalk MUPs all over the latter routes -- if anyone wants to see what the future of suburban "cycling infrastructure" in Calgary might be like, I heartily encourage a road trip out there. I can provide a map of the "highlights" if desired...
View Larger Map
(Yes, that's a sidewalk MUP on the left; it's now painted with a yellow line and everything -- but that doesn't help one dodge the pedestrians, or bus shelters...)
Bike path up Nosehill
Submitted by gyrospanner on
I can't remember for sure, but I think that north of the library, the sidewalk on the west side has had the
"magic yellow center line treatment" that has turned it into a bike path.
Nosehill "magic" treatment
Submitted by RichieRich on
Oh that "magic" solution... so this west-sidewalk going up Nosehill Drive is immediately adjacent to a high concrete wall. Not much room for error between the wall and the trees spaced ~75m apart and several vehicle accessways. The east-sidewalk is in rougher condition but has ample grass on both sides. Oh, and since there isn't a "magic yellow line" it's not an official MUP.
During the warmer months the west sidewalk certainly an optional route for us northerners. It does mean a few extra km's of riding to get there (versus my typical route through Edgemont) which sometimes isn't a problem, but at -15C and colder I'm usually not looking for longer exposure. In the winter the West side often ices up, unless it's drifted up, whereas the east sidewalk is pretty much clear year round due to exposure.
You are in luck my friend
Submitted by bclark on
According to the City the Nose Hill Drive pathway is due for an upgrade...at least from just south of John Laurie going north. Of course that assumes you don't mind that you will have to cross over to the west side of John Laurie at one of the intersections to get to the pathway and then still cross a number of roadway crossings while riding the pathway. The link is here (can't remember if it was posted before or not):
http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TP/Pages/Cycling/Cycling-Route-Improvements/Nose-Hill-Drive-pathway-upgrades.aspx
Luck is relative
Submitted by RichieRich on
Great link... thanks for the info. I don't recall seeing this link before - you may be thinking of the Edgemont upgrades (which seem to be an on-off-on-again-off-again type of project designed to take all summer.
The west side "MUP" heading north from John Laurie already requires users to cross the busy entrance to the YMCA, then a block up the library, then the new highschool, then a city of Calgary parking lot/access road to fields. Only 1 of these is a controlled intersection. Having lived in and frequented that general area for the better part of 30years I've been witness to many incidents along that section. It's always been a challenge with the fast moving vehicles ripping down the hill and making right turns. Now that I have kids big enough to ride their own bikes I don't anticipate allowing them on that section for several more years due to my personal risk tolerance.
Whilst the upgrade will be appreciated, the additional width/markings of the the westerly-pathway and adding a few extra signs may not be enough to mitigate the overall risk. In any case I shall optimisticly hope for the best.
No magic yellow line?
Submitted by gyrospanner on
I must have dreamt that, or been on glue....
UIs it possible that there is just a short section of sidewalk by the library?
It's there
Submitted by DarrenB on
Indeed there is a magic yellow line down the west sidewalk between John Laurie and Arbour Lake Way NW. Word is that it is a stop-gap measure by parks to secure that area for a forthcoming MUP in the near future.
a sidewalk is a sidewalk
Submitted by mikewarren on
If it's black with yellow, or concrete with yellow, or paved in gold: it's still a sidewalk.
Riding on sidewalks is ill-advised *and* illegal for good reason. Why won't the City understand this is a total fail for cyclists?
Agreed
Submitted by gyrospanner on
It is a "fail."
That sidewalk is so narrow that you'd have to ride on the grass to go around anybody.
But I'm glad to see that the City is going to fix the area up with a proper MUP.
Sidewalks are for pedestrians
Submitted by PedalFaster on
Doubly agreed...
Not sure why the city hasn't gotten this message since it has been delivered many times by the bike community in Calgary over the past decade. Wide curb lanes and actual bike lanes are the answer. It isn't really that hard to do and doesn't cost much more when planning a new road or reparing an old one. Mixing pedestrians and bicycles, at least when it comes to transportation, is a bad idea. A MUP for recreational purposes is a bit of a different animal although still a poor compromise in my opinion.
This is my take
Submitted by bclark on
It seems traffic volume and speeds are seen as a barrier to cycling on higher-order roads, thus the thought is to provide cyclists with physical separation. The problem is, in giving this physical separation, cyclists are placed in the same environment as pedestrians, which leads to all sorts of other problems, due to the potential for conflict between user types as well as conflict where pathways intersect roadways. On lower order roadways, it seems on-street bike lanes are the way to go. Interestingly, this creates a bit of a paradox as cyclists, like vehicles, desire to travel at higher speeds and with less stopping along higher-order roads and are probably willing to accept travel at lower speeds with more frequent stopping along lower-order roads. Placing cyclists on pathways, with a 20km/h speed restriction, along higher order roads and then on on-street bike lanes, with a 50km/h speed limit on lower-order roads essentially reverses the situation. It would be somewhat akin to driving 80km/h on 20th Ave NW and then turning onto Crowchild and slowing to 50km/h. While using MUPs at low speed may be preferrable for the short recreational rides or as a beginner commuter, it really can be restrictive to more proficient cyclists.
Personally, my opinion is that physical separation is probably warranted on higher-order roads in order to attract the "interested but concerned" (as well as to provide some separation from vehicle pollution) however, care needs to be taken to also consider the needs of more proficient cyclists. This essentially means that cycletracks might be a solution, i.e. cyclists get their own dedicated facility separate from pedestrians and vehicles. Challenges would still remain at intersections however, legitimizing cyclists as vehicles, would hopefully allow for design around incorporating the cycletrack into the intersection. Of course, this would add to the cost, which is likely another reason pathways are chosen for cycling infrastructure (also, I'm guessing asphalt pathways are cheaper than concrete sidwalks).
Am I crazy or...
Submitted by snowandscience on
Riding down 10 St NW today I noticed spray lines that looked like the city was planning to remove the SB bike lane. The notched spray paint style was used, and the widths of the new markings seem to match the old configuration of two SB any-vehicle lanes. Be on the lookout for this tomorrow and let us know if you see something. I'll ride it NB on my way to the University tomorrow as well to look for this.
old?
Submitted by mikewarren on
There have "always" been 4-lane temporary markings on there, as the original plan was to terminate the 10th Street "bike lane project" at the 2 blocks of sidewalk bike-path just south of Confederation. Then, the project sat for a week as, presumably, people had meetings and then new temporary markings and the bike lanes were painted after that.
Hard to tell if there are fresh ones there, but I don't *think* so.
I've never noticed temporary
Submitted by snowandscience on
I've never noticed temporary lines before last night (and I ride 10 St twice a week-ish), and the markings look new-ish to me. They extend to Confed park, but not beyond... if they are old, then that's good. Maybe I was just paying attention more last night or this morning for some reason...
10 St NW - possible lane reconfiguration?
Submitted by snowandscience on
Apparently my post disappeared... there are definitely lines both NB and SB indicating a re-configuration without bike lanes. The image below doesn't seem to be working, but you can check out the photos on Flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/snowandscience/sets/72157630987248522/
Some minor problems aside, the 10 St NW lane is one of the best in the city - I use it regularly and it's been a really great connector to the NW part of the city. Would be terrible to lose it this early in - was only installed last fall!
Ben
pilot?
Submitted by critninja on
Was 10 st nw a "pilot" project?
Could it be coming to an end?
Is the city reverting back to previous lane alignments?
Hopefully just old markings..
Submitted by snowandscience on
Hopefully just old markings... not sure why I wouldn't have noticed them before, I ride 10 St fairly regularly. BC is Checking in with the city to verify nothing is planned here...
it was/is a pilot
Submitted by mikewarren on
Yes, it is a pilot project. It would be a shame to lose those lanes, though. I could see extending the lane-reversal up to 16th avenue if indeed traffic is an issue (I've sometimes seen it backed up, but mostly it doesn't seem any worse than "normal" cogestion.
8 ave N to Nose Creek, last 100m paved
Submitted by t_rance on
Following the switchback down from 8 ave North bridge over Deerfoot, the last 100m has finally been paved since two weeks ago to connect to Nose Creek pathway. Thank you City for no more muddy bike going over that gravel section whenever it snowed or rained.
Beautiful rides on a short week
Submitted by snowandscience on
This has been my favourite week for rides all year. Weather has been beautiful, I've taken a different route to/from work every day just for fun. Switched it up and rode different bikes, just for fun. I'm really enjoying my commute more and more every day as the summer days get shorter. Looking forward to another ride home tonight to end the short week.
Public Service Announcement: If you're down at Chinatown street festival on Saturday, look for the Open Streets/Bike Calgary tents and say hello!
Ben
Apology
Submitted by Coach Hill resident on
Hi folks,
at around 6:40am this Friday morning I (silver car, wearing ballcap) made a turn without seeing one of you and probably gave you a pretty bad scare on Coach Hill Road just before it reaches the path down towards Sarcee. Fortunately you saw me and was able to avoid hitting me. I signed up just to apologize. I am generally pretty good about noticing cyclists but my brain was just looking for cars. Having grown up in Coach Hill, moved away from the city, and recently returned, I'm still surprised by the number of people that bike to work. I'll be more diligent in the future.
I respect cyclists doing right by the environment and am making a donation to this site in the hopes of ongoing friendship between motorists and cyclists. Not all of us are idiots (at least not all the time).
Cheers,
Coach Hill guy
Thanks Coach Hill guy!
Submitted by Charbucks on
Wow, I'm impressed! Thanks for taking the time to come and say this. We all make mistakes, and it's great to hear from someone so honest. I wasn't the rider involved, but hopefully he/she has had the time to get over their scare and can accept the apology.
Seriously, this brought tears
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
Seriously, this brought tears to my eyes, I am so touched. I was not the rider involved either but I am truly impressed that you have taken the time for this apology. Maybe you will at some time be joining us as a bike rider/commuter?
I'm with you.
Submitted by hydec on
Bravo & thank you Coach Hill Guy! May we clone you?
Beautiful!
Submitted by critninja on
Beautiful!
Ask and you shall receive...
Submitted by seacloud on
Last week, I noted that it would be nice to see young osprey from the nest near Memorial and Crowchild. Well, within days of that post, I've seen at least one young one out flying with parents keeping a close eye. It was very nice to see.
Otherwise, I've been commuting home at a variety of different times over the last couple of weeks, varying from lunchtime to late afternoon (near 5pm). Outside of lunchtime (the pathway is crazy-full of joggers) I've found the pathways to be somewhat quiet-feeling this week. Has that just been a fluke of my timing or have others noticed this? I'll be concious of this on my last commute of the week, as I'll be heading out shortly. Have a good weekend, all!
Banff Gran Fondo tickets for sale
Submitted by tbbruck on
Hi everyone,
I've got two friends who are moving to the east coast soon, and are desperately trying to sell their Banff Gran Fondo tickets. They're selling for $225 (they'll pay the $50 transfer fee). They're just trying to recoup as much of the cost for their moving expenses.
If you're interested in one or both of the tickets, please email me at tbbruck@hotmail.com and I'll get you in touch with them.
Thanks!
Tanya
Update - lowered prices for Banff Gran Fondo tickets
Submitted by tbbruck on
Sorry to clog up the feed with this, but the deadline for transferring registrations for the Banff Gran Fondo is August 12th (Sunday). My friends haven't had any luck selling their tickets. They're really good people, and I'm trying to help them out before they move.
They've dropped their price to $175 (and theyll foot the transfer fee).
You can call Lars at 403-690-1394 if you're interested.
Thanks! I promise I'll stop trying to hock stuff on the forum now! :)
Tanya
Unfortunately
Submitted by Coach Hill resident on
I am the antithesis of a cyclist: wobbly, work from home, scared of unwary drivers (like myself, apparently), and would lift weights 10/10 times rather than do cardio. But I do respect you all and think modern society would be much better served by reversing the number of motorists with cyclists. Reduce sprawl, cleaner air, healthier people. The only solace I can take is that I've freaked out far fewer cyclists than my insane mother.
Take it easy, good people.
more non-cyclists
Submitted by mikewarren on
It would be great to have the voice of more non-cyclists on here, especially for infrastructure discussions. Probably many cyclists' dream-infrastructure isn't so awesome for motorists ;) and it'd be good to have other perspectives when trying to find the "feasible" thing to ask for....
10th St Bike Lanes
Submitted by cleaverr on
This weekend and yesterday I finally got to experience the 10th St. bike lanes. It was great to see so many people using them, and now I understand why. I've changed my route home from errands just so I can hit that hill.