Calgary’s municipal election is on October 20. With bike lanes under threat from the provincial government, it’s more important than ever that we elect a city council that supports active transportation.
Bike Calgary will not be endorsing candidates for the election, but we will be advocating for safe active transportation and mobility options for all Calgarians.
Here’s what we’re looking for in our ideal candidate:
- Supports reducing the negative impacts of roadway collisions and automobile dependency: They recognize and want to reduce the health care system costs, physical and mental health impacts, loss of quality of life, infrastructure and building damage, environmental pollution, and decreased affordability
- Believes in evidence-based decision making: Considers input from the constituents and the broader community while recognizing that not everyone can participate in the political process, and that council decisions need to take into account those missing voices.
- Plans to build a team of engaged and experienced staff to advise on current City policies and implications of decisions: Council members should build trust with their staff and key members of City administration to provide a balance of respecting expertise while holding staff accountable for following approved policy.
- Advocates for transportation choice: Someone who experiences their community through human-scaled modes of travel (walking, biking, wheeling, public transit) and can bring that personal experience and empathy to the role
- Advocates for an active mobility network – 5A Network = Always Available for All Ages & Abilities
- Advocates for housing choice: Someone who recognizes the benefits to communities when population density supports local amenities and neighbourhoods can welcome a wide range of ages, incomes, and family structures. Neighbourhoods with these attributes can more easily support walking, wheeling, and transit as attractive and viable transport modes.
Think about what matters most to you, and come up with your own list of qualities that you want in your next mayor or councillor. Figure out some questions that you can ask candidates to see if they meet these qualities.
Find your list of candidates here: https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/calgary-election-candidates-2025
Find out more election information here: