An etiquette refresher for Calgarians on the move

Calgarians enjoy the largest urban pathway network in the country. Over 800 kilometres of pathways and 95 kilometres of trails throughout the city connect communities for a variety of users. As we approach the middle of another beautiful summer, it's a great time to review pathway etiquette for walkers, joggers, in-line skaters, pet owners and cyclists.

Cycling Calgary's surrounding communities

On the rim of on-street bike lane initiatives in Calgary, more cyclists are looking to transport safe pedal-power to smaller cities around southern Alberta.

Met with controversy by some motorists, Calgary has approved 260 kilometres of on-street, 3.1-metre wide bike lanes to go along with a 550-kilometre pathway system.

While bike lanes may be the trail to two-wheel success in Calgary, many smaller centres are relying on an array of paved and non-paved pathways to accommodate a growing number of free-wheeling travellers.

But while multi-use pathway systems may be an attractive option for recreational riders and casual commuters, hard-core on-street distance riders like Nick Lynem have experienced some road sharing concerns with automobiles.

Design updated following 2013 floods

The newest addition to Cochrane's parks and pathways system is set to open later this month.

Following a redesign after the 2013 floods, Riverfront Park will open on Aug. 29 with a ceremony featuring the Cochrane Pipe Band, a Native Elder blessing, First Nations dancers, and remarks from Wild Rose MP Blake Richards, Banff-Cochrane MLA Cam Westhead and Cochrane Mayor Ivan Brooker.

Riverfront Park is one of a new generation of urban parks that showcase natural areas within an urban environment. The park has been in planning since the Open Spaces Master Plan was approved by Council in 2012. Changes were made to the design after the 2013 floods, but senior manager of community services Suzanne Gaida thinks the final design is even better.