Okotoks is reaching out to its regional partners to gauge interest in an off-highway bicycle pathway system.
Council heard from avid cyclist Jason Yanota, who was a member of the Active Transportation Committee in 2012, at its meeting on May 25. Yanota said a regional bike path system would be beneficial for motorists and cyclists alike.
“Okotoks is a very popular region, so the more users we get on the roads around our community, and Okotoks is a destination for many Calgary cyclists, safety is a concern on highways or roads,” he said. “Cars travel at 100 km/h and they’re passing cyclists within one metre, quite often.
“It’s uncomfortable for brave people and downright scary for a lot of the new cycling population that’s using these roads to get around.”
Yanota’s interest in cycling began when he was 13 years old, riding along highways in the Red Deer area and moving on to become a bicycle road racer, competing in North America and Europe.
He moved to Okotoks, and in 2003 began commuting to the city, often riding his bike to Calgary.
“I was familiar with the roads and the distance wasn’t so frightening for me,” said Yanota.
If there was a regional pathway between municipalities, he said it wouldn’t be surprising to see more people take to their bicycles to get between Foothills communities.
His inspiration came from experience and from what he has learned while spending time in Mannheim, Germany, for work over the past four years.
“I really enjoy the infrastructure in Europe, especially in Mannheim where they claim to have invented the bicycle in 1817,” said Yanota. “It was mainly creating segregated lanes for bicycles to ride on, so that cars and bicycles are not mixed in the same traffic.”
He said it’s not perfect and there are constant additions and upgrades to the infrastructure, and citizens who raise concerns, but it puts safety first and encourages cycling as active transportation.
Bicycle popularity is at an all-time high right now, with many people taking up cycling over the past year, making it an ideal time to consider a path system, he said.
In addition, the electronic bike has also caught on, he said.
“There’s even dedicated electric bicycle stores in Calgary, and this increases the potential for not just sporting cyclists or really fit cyclists to travel 20 or more kilometres between regional communities,” said Yanota.
While safety is paramount, he said investing in a regional bike pathway system could bring more recreational tourism to Okotoks and the Foothills region as well, as people could ride between towns and stop for refreshments in different communities.
He recommended the Town work with Foothills County and approach other regional partners to see whether dedicate bicycle pathways could be accommodated.
“Residents and commuters deserve the infrastructure to cycle on and providing alternatives for them is important, besides riding on the highways,” said Yanota.
Christa Michailuk, parks manager for the Town of Okotoks, said the notion behind a regional bike pathway system is great and could drive tourism and economic development, and could improve the level of active transportation in the area.
She said there will be some work to be done in terms of transportation studies and public engagement as the Town assesses how best to make connections through its annexed lands and look at a more commuter-centred network.
“We have an extensive pathway system in Okotoks – it is more the leisure recreational pathway system than a commuter-type of pathway system,” said Michailuk. “I think there’s a clear distinction that needs to be made between those different pedestrian or active transportation corridors and design specifications to follow with road infrastructure.
“I certainly think there’s some work to do there, to say what are some specifications and at what level of roadway is it appropriate to bring in biking infrastructure as we go?”
Coun. Matt Rockley said highway cycling has always been a safety concern, and an activity for those brave of heart.
“I’ve often thought cycling on the highway is rather dangerous and not something you see a lot of families going out and doing as an activity,” said Rockley. “It would be a lot safer is there was a dedicated off-highway pathway, not doubt about it.”
Coun. Florence Christophers said at the end of the day it’s all about the capital costs.
“It really comes down to finances,” she said. “The idea is fantastic. We can put our heads together – there are grants for this.”
