Community in Calgary: Bikes
Posted on July 11, 2024
Calgary is filled with winding bike paths all across the city, but do you know where any of them will take you? With the nice weather we have been having, it's a perfect time to go exploring with family and friends!
The first thing to remember, while using bike paths around Calgary, is to follow cycling rules. Following the rules prevents you from hurting yourself or others. The first, and most important, rule is always to wear your helmet! Some people may think they don’t need a and aren’t aware of any risks, but that isn’t the case. Alberta Health encourages everyone to wear a helmet. It can lower your risk of a head injury by 60 per cent (Alberta Health Services, n.d.-a).
A helmet isn’t the only tool you should be using for safety. Adding reflective gear to your clothes and bike is an important part of bike safety. If it’s dark out, it may be hard for cars or others sharing the pathway to see you. Wearing reflective gear helps vehicles or other pathway users to move safely around you. As a result, rules like this create a safer environment for you and the others sharing the paths. It is also important to use “an audible signal like a bike horn before passing someone” (Government of Alberta, n.d.-b). This helps keep others aware of your presence and keeps the shared space safe!
When thinking of other people’s safety, don’t forget to use proper hand signals when biking. “To signal a left turn, hold out your left arm straight out. To signal a right turn, bend the left arm up at the elbow (90 degrees). To slow down or stop, bend your arm downward (90 degrees)” (Government of Alberta, n.d.-a). Being aware of others helps keep the paths safe for everyone, preventing any accidents when indicating where you are going.
After thinking about your safety and others, it is time to think of where to go! Calgary is full of bike paths for anyone to explore. One of Calgary’s more popular bike paths is located in Fish Creek Provincial Park. With wonderful views of the park and so much to explore, it's perfect for a day trip. The paths in Fish Creek Park not only showcase some of Calgary's wildlife but also some cool hangouts in Calgary. On the paths in Fish Creek, you are bound to come across Annie’s, a bakery and ice cream shop with lots of flavours to choose from. It would make a perfect treat after a long bike ride on Calgary’s pathways. Fish Creek Sikome Lake is another place on the Fish Creek Park path. After a beautiful bike ride through the park a quick dip in the lake is a perfect way to cool down!
If you want to find out more about Calgary bike paths there are different resources you can access to help! Calgary Green recommends Calgary’s Best Bike Rides 50 urban cycle tours and pathway pedals by Lori Beattie. The book includes bike rides all across Calgary, so no matter where you live, she shows us there's a bike path for everyone.
Remember, be safe, look out for others, and have fun on Calgary’s bike paths!
Want to learn more? Check out the resources below:
Alberta Health Services. (n.d.). Bike & Wheeled Recreation Safety. Alberta Health Services. Retrieved July 5, 2024, from https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/injprev/Page4858.aspx
Government of Alberta. (n.d.-a). Cycling paths and visibility | Alberta.ca. Government of Alberta. Retrieved July 5, 2024, from https://www.alberta.ca/paths-and-visibility
Government of Alberta. (n.d.-b). Cycling safety equipment | Alberta.ca. Government of Alberta. Retrieved July 5, 2024, from https://www.alberta.ca/safety-equipment
Author:
Nicole B.
Communications Team Volunteer
Green Calgary