Western Canada - Calgary: bicycles allowed on main arteries ?

I'll be riding from the SE near Barlow/Glenmore towards Banff on the Trans-Canada, I'm wondering what roads I should stay on. Barlow is somewhat bicycle-friendly (shoulder), isn't it ?

I'm not too familiar with the bike path network in Calgary, which is why I'm asking if I can stick to the roads.

Thank you very much for your input. :D

J-S

You're allowed, on any road in Calgary, with the exception of Deerfoot. Which route to take, especially from the SE, at this time of year, is a bit trickier. Barlow does have a small shoulder, but I don't know how clear it is this time of year. It is also extremely busy. Generally the traffic is professional, so for the majority, they're pretty good about passing, but there is a lot of them, and they don’t expect to see you. From 50th Ave, you can go West to the Bow river pathway on the West side of Ogden. It stops at 42 ave, and I have used Ogden from there to 11 street, which I then followed up to the Bow and the zoo area. Intimidating, but I've used it a fair number of times. I was always lit up like a Christmas tree though. There is a pathway from 42nd that goes up the river past the Bird Sanctuary, but it doesn't get cleared, and the snow can get silly.

Is this going to be a regular thing?

Thank you very much for your reply, much appreciated ! I guess I should've mentioned that it was going to be a one-time deal and it will be at the end of April, so snow "shouldn't" be a problem (we never know around here). I'll be looking into the directions you gave me, thanks again. :D

Ah, well then, I would get over to the canal pathway, starts just past 30st on Glenmore, you might want to go up Barlow a little ways and double back down to the 30th/Glenmore intersection. Glenmore is NOT a road I can recommend. You can follow this all the way up to the pedestrian bridge over the Deerfoot at the weir. On the way up, watch the road crossing at Gosling way, followed almost immediately afterward by keeping your head down as you go under Deerfoot. Once over the Deerfoot pedestrian bridge, you can go a little bit West, and take the Nose Creek pathway up to 16th, but I would instead take the Memorial Drive pathway all the way out to Parkdale, which merges with 16th. Not sure exactly how to make the best transition there, but shouldn't be too hard. Overall, doesn't really add any distance, and will be a much more pleasant ride.

I wouldn't recommend cycling on the Barlow. Period. The traffic volume alone isn't worth the risk, nor the virtually non-existent shoulders. Get a cycling map from the City of Calgary and stick to the pathways.

Here's a link to an interactive map I found on the City's website:
http://cocnmp.com/bike_and_pathway_map/bikeway_and_pathway_map.html

I also recommend going on 1A (Bow Valley Trail), not HWY 1. Again, the sheer volume of traffic is why. Once you reach Canmore you will be forced onto the freeway From Harvie Heights in Canmore, to Banff Ave. in Banff.

After studying the map, I'll be following coldfeet's instructions: canal pathway up to Memorial Drive and west towards Parkdale.

And thanks for the suggestion about the 1A, but there are absolutely no shoulders around Morley. I bike-commute on the Trans-Canada anyway so I'm used to traffic. :)

Thanks again guys ! I'm actually looking forward to riding on the pathways, it should be really nice.

I used to go to the airport up Barlow, but it was usually about 5 in the morning. If it was during rush hour I'd take a bike path to near 32 Ave, then get on 19 st for an alternate route.

You got good advices. I would avoid Barlow too. A little too crazy for me. Deerfoot as a pathway that runs from the north (Bedington) and for a good distance. I've done up to the Zoo on Memorial there.

Jean Seb, any chance you are from Quebec?

Thanks again for the tips. And yes I am, zenith. :innocent: :)