Bridge gets makeover as Calgary cycling groups push to make active transportation an election issue – Calgary

The eighth Avenue bridge over Deerfoot Path is now a lot brighter due to a bunch of group volunteers who’re pushing for higher energetic transportation infrastructure in Calgary.

The separated pedestrian lane has gone from uninteresting gray to good colors with geometric patterns.

“I feel it brings a number of security, it beautifies it and it’s a very nice option to give again,” mentioned artist and Calgary college instructor Alisha Ingbritson.

A bunch of round 100 volunteers painted the bridge over a number of weekends. The efforts are a part of a motion known as United the Heights.

Neighborhood members are hoping to create higher bike and pedestrian connections between Crescent Heights, Renfrew, Mayland Heights and Radisson Heights.

Ingbritson mentioned group members are pushing for the separated pedestrian path to be widened. She mentioned with hills on both facet, automobiles choose up a number of velocity on eighth Avenue.

“It may be scary, completely,” Ingbritson mentioned.

“I’ve been biking on this path with my youngsters in a motorbike trailer, and it’s both go on the street and go along with the site visitors otherwise you come onto the pedestrian bridge after which it’s actually tight and uncomfortable.”

Bike Calgary, in partnership with Youth En Route, distributed a survey this month relating to energetic transportation to all Calgary mayoral and ward candidates to assist voters know the place they stand.

Youth en Route is an advocacy and schooling group established this yr with the purpose of getting extra college students to bike to highschool.

“Only a easy hundred ft of pavement in a single space may make a dramatic distinction to the protection of scholars going to a faculty in an space,” mentioned Youth en Route govt director Laura Shutiak.

Shutiak hopes this election will give voters the prospect to dig into candidates’ platforms to see which of them are looking for extra choices for energetic transportation selections.

“Calgary is at a little bit of a crossroads. We’re a metropolis that’s altering in a short time,” Shutiak mentioned.

“There is a chance for this metropolis council to make our metropolis a lot safer for pedestrians and for bikers and for individuals who use scooters or skateboards.”

Bike Calgary and Youth en Route haven’t endorsed any candidates.

Shutiak mentioned round a 3rd of candidates have responded to the survey.