Thanks for checking out the May 2025 Bike Calgary newsletter! We are excited to share upcoming events and ways to get involved with cycling in Calgary.
Spring is here, and with it comes a renewed energy to get out and ride! Whether you’re commuting, cruising the pathways, or advocating for safer streets, your passion for cycling helps make Calgary a more connected, sustainable, and vibrant city.
Thank you for being part of our growing community, almost 4000 riders strong!
Remember, membership is free. If you’re receiving this inaugural newsletter from our new platform, you’re already registered! If you have someone else in mind to become a Bike Calgary member, click here!
New Season, New Platform
This is our first newsletter on a new software platform called Zeffy to help us better manage events, volunteers, and donations — and the best part? Zeffy doesn’t charge us transaction fees, which means 100% of your support goes straight to Bike Calgary programs. We have imported our former contact lists, and appreciate that you follow Bike Calgary.
If, at any time, you no longer wish to receive our emails, you can unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of the message.
Upcoming Events
Bike Calgary is planning the 2nd annual BikeFest for the month of June. We’re looking for submissions for bicycle-related events that you’re organizing during that month. Active transport counts too! We’re also planning a wrap-up event for the end of June where we’ll all get together like we did in February for Winter Bike Day. Expect celebration and a chance to win prizes. Follow us to get the latest updates, and be sure to let us know if you’d like to be involved in any way, by reaching out to events@bikecalgary.org.
Our friends and partners have events coming up in May. Bike Calgary is working on getting a table at some of these events as well, so you can stop by and say hi.
- Alberta Bike Swap
- Date and time: May 3, 2025, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Location: 340 10 Ave SW Calgary Parking Lot 25 City Centre Parkade
- Details: a very popular event to consign and buy bikes from locals, organized by Calgarians
- Register: https://albertabikeswap.ca/events/calgary/
- Critical Mass
- Date and time: 6:30 p.m. on the last Friday of every month
- Location: Meet at ContainR in Sunnyside
- Details: started in San Francisco in the 90s, and back in Calgary after a hiatus, Critical Mass is a cycling movement to take back the streets for people and community using the bicycle. It’s a slow ride where no one is dropped. Check out new Calgarian Riya’s blog post about her experience on the March ride: https://lokomo.substack.com/p/day-28-of-cycling-every-day-first. Critical Mass can be found on Instagram at the handle @criticalmass.yyc.
- Register: No need to register, just show up with your bike!
- Bike to Work Day YYC
- Date and time: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6 a.m. – 9 a.m..
- Location: Delta Gardens, south side of Peace Bridge
- Details: On Thursday this year, you can expect a pancake breakfast and loads of cycle commuters, businesses and enthusiasts.
- Register: No need to register, but more details here: https://www.biketoworkdaycalgary.ca/
- BikeFest Wrap Up
- Date and time: last weekend of June
- Location: TBA
- Details: This will likely have a similar format to Winter Bike Day, with movie, panel discussion, and prizes. Details to be confirmed!
- Register: Check back on our website and social media for details as they develop
- Pedal Poll
- Date and time: June 3rd and June 7th
- Location : Multiple across the city
- Details: It’s that time of year again! Calgary will be participating in our fourth official year of the Vélo Canada Bikes Pedal Poll / Sondo Vélo happening between June 3rd – June 8th and we need your help to count. The sites have been chosen and dates will be Tuesday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 7th but may shift to another day in the week based on weather and smoke conditions. If you have flex days or are looking for a way to help the biking community and participate as a citizen scientist, sign up now! As a focus community, we will be coordinating a “snap shot” across the city in multiple locations, with counters at each location throughout the day.
- Register : https://signup.com/go/jjnDJhM
- https://bikecalgary.org/pedal-poll-2025/
Recent Impact – Infrastructure & Advocacy Update
We’re always in conversation with the City of Calgary and other partners to ensure Calgary is moving towards our goals of safe and connected cycling infrastructure for all users city-wide.
Here are some updates from our hard-working teams:
- Construction & Detours – Now that winter has passed, the city is shifting into construction season and this means some disruption to our cycling infrastructure. Well planned detours are a critical aspect of moving cyclists safely and comfortably through the city – if you encounter any issues with detours, please report them to the city via 311. Some specific areas we are monitoring include:
- Bow River Pathway SE of Edworthy Park
- Cowboys Park
- Bow River Pathway related to Sunnyside flood barrier work
- Bow River Pathway at Ogden Rd bridge
- Elbow River Pathway at 5th St SW
- Elbow river Pathway at Sandy Beach Park
- Bike Lanes – Recent statements have been made by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen blaming bike lanes for traffic congestion, encouraging Edmonton and Calgary to postpone or cancel bike lane projects, and suggesting that: “Alberta could follow Ontario in legislating any new bike lane that comes from the removal of a vehicle lane would require provincial approval.” Bike Calgary is strongly aligned with other cycling advocates across Canada in pushing back against this type of government overreach and misinformed anti-cycling rhetoric.
- Please see this Canadian Press news article for more details.
Get Involved!
- Volunteer Opportunities
- We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help with our programs and events. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to commit to a regular schedule, we have a place for you.
- Fill out the form here to sign up!
Member Perk Spotlight: Local Discounts
Did you know in addition to supporting Bike Calgary, your support and donation can unlock discounts at partner businesses across Calgary! From bike shops to cafes, our partners love supporting riders like you. As well, donations to Bike Calgary of $50 or more will receive a Bike Calgary t-shirt. We are grateful for donations of any amount to support our volunteer-run organization.
Donate here!
Thank You!
One of the best ways to support us is by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and neighbours. If you want to meet like-minded people and help improve cycling in Calgary, again consider joining our volunteer list to hear about events, advocacy opportunities and more.
Safe cycling,
Bike Calgary