12th Avenue cycle track in Calgary's network to open early

The 12th Avenue section of Calgary's cycle track network pilot project opens to the public on Tuesday morning, which is several weeks ahead of schedule. 

"The weather has been on our side and we were able to complete construction on this route more quickly than anticipated," said Don Mulligan, the city's transportation planning director.

Construction on the four approved routes for the $7-million pilot project has been happening at the same time, but Mulligan says it just worked out that the city was able to open the 12th Avenue route early.

"This one is the one that was able to get to the stage where we can open it. We've tested it from a pedestrian, from a vehicle and from a cyclist point of view," he said. "We're comfortable with opening it."

The 12th Avenue section of the cycle track network extends from 11th Street west to Third Street east.

Adjustment period

Mulligan expects there will be an adjustment period as cyclists, pedestrians and motorists get used to the changes.

"The message to everyone is this is new. There's new road signs, there's new markings, there's new signals, traffic lights — all of those things are new."

The city says it has already made modifications to 12th Avenue for safer, easier travel for everyone, including improved traffic light timing and adjusted lane markings to provide better flow at First Street S.W. It plans to continue to make adjustments over the course of the pilot, and is encouraging people to give their feedback either through the city's website or by phoning 311.

The city is also reminding Calgarians that the other pilot cycle track routes at Eighth Avenue S.W., Ninth Avenue S.E. and Fifth Street S.W. remain under construction. Cyclists are asked to stay off those routes until they're finished.

The city aims to officially open the entire network at the end of June.