WATCH: Cyclists have more tracks to use downtown as the Fifth Street bike lanes opened Friday morning in phase two of the pilot project. The news lanes are both gaining support, and drawing criticism. Dallas Flexhaug reports.
CALGARY – The 5 Street section of Calgary’s cycle track network pilot project opened on Friday morning.
The city once again credited the warm weather for the early opening, as June 30 was the original start date. The 12 Avenue section also opened early on June 2.
“The opening of 5 Street allows people who are cycling on 12 Avenue to have a north/south route as well so they can connect to destinations in and around downtown,” said project coordinator Tom Thivener.
The city says there’s been a “high number” of people using the 12 Ave. bike lane so far, with “minimal traffic delays.”
READ MORE: Businesses complain about new Calgary bike lanes
“On opening day, an average of 893 trips were made by bike in a 16-hour count in the middle of the route, and an average of 854 trips were made last week from Tuesday to Sunday,” said Thivener in a release. “We hope to see this momentum continue with the opening of the 5 Street route.”
The 5 Street route runs from 3 Avenue south to 17 Avenue south.
The 8 and 9 Avenue bike lanes are still under construction and not open to the public. They’re expected to be open by the end of June.
To ask questions or share your feedback with the city as a driver, pedestrian or cyclist, call 311.
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