New beltline bike lane has drivers swerving away from seniors' home

Calgary’s Beltline neighborhood has recently seen the construction of new protected bike lanes along 15th Avenue S.W. However, the addition of concrete islands has raised concerns among area residents, who have reported traffic issues as a result.

Residents along the avenue have expressed confusion over the cement meridians that guide drivers between barriers and parked cars from 9th Street S.W. to 10th Street S.W. One resident, Cameron Resch, described the situation as overwhelming, especially with the existing traffic signals and signs in the area.

The city has stated that the meridians were designed to accommodate loading zones along the north side of the corridor, shifting motorists to the south side to allow for safe vehicle stops without obstructing traffic. However, the loading zone was not initially part of the project plans.

The construction of the bike lane was approved in 2023, following the transition of the avenue into one-way traffic in 2018. The project scope expanded to include a two-way wheeling track from 11th Street S.W. to Victoria Park/Stampede Station, causing delays in construction.

Last fall, residents at Grace Gardens seniors’ home protested the proposed bike lane, particularly the relocation of the building’s loading zone to 10th Street S.W. The loading zone at Grace Gardens will be the only intrusion along the full course of the lane, with all other parking along the north side being removed.

Concerns Over Reduced Parking

Condo owner Cameron Resch is concerned about the impact of reduced parking in the area, especially with vehicles blocking access to his building’s parkade. The cement meridians restrict the road width, making it impossible for a vehicle to pass if parked alongside the barrier. Delivery drivers may further exacerbate the issue by taking up restricted parking spaces.

The city had informed the public about the removal of parking in initial project plans, offering several options for mobility improvements along 14 and 15 Avenue S.W. Some residents expressed a preference for maintaining existing parking options, while others supported the protected bike lane as a safer alternative.

Jack Mason from Bike Calgary believes the new wheeling track provides a safer route through the Beltline compared to other pathways in the area. Despite concerns raised by residents, the city’s traffic team is open to further design updates, although the permanence of the cement barriers may limit potential changes.

Construction on the bike lanes is ongoing, with completion expected in late fall. Once signage and lane markings are in place, the lanes will be opened to the public for use. With continued engagement and feedback from residents, the city aims to address concerns and improve the functionality of the new bike lanes in Calgary’s Beltline neighborhood.

With files from Noah Brennan.