Wheeling lanes, cycle tracks and bike lanes
Calgary features a variety of designated cycling spaces in addition to our extensive pathway system. Each space reflects a specific design for the location and existing traffic flows, as described below. Signs and road markings accompany each space; visit the Cycling signs, road markings and traffic signals page for details. Or visit the cycling bylaws and safety tips page for more information on bylaws for cycling on pathways and roadways.
Wheeling lanes
Wheeling lanes are designated spaces that provide Calgarians with a fun, healthy, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to get around. Wheeling lanes aren’t just for bicycles anymore. Other forms of personal mobility are welcome, including kick scooters, inline skates, skateboards, and shared e-scooters. People using manual and electric wheelchairs are considered pedestrians and are to continue to use the sidewalk. To learn more about where different types of transportation devices are permitted, please refer to this guide.
Silver Springs wheeling lanes
- The on-street wheeling lanes on Silver Springs Boulevard N.W. operate similarly to one-way cycle tracks where people in the wheeling lanes travel the same direction as vehicle traffic.
- This pilot project has proven to dramatically slow vehicles and improve safety.
- The wheeling lanes on Silver Springs Boulevard N.W. will remain a pilot until 2024. We will continue to evaluate their performance and review feedback from the community.
Cycle tracks
A cycle track is a wheeling lane separated from other modes of traffic by either a physical barrier or an elevation difference. They are the most effective way of reducing potential conflicts between people driving, cycling and walking, and make sharing the road a more safe and predictable experience for everyone.
Most cycle tracks are on Priority 1 snow routes and cleared within 24-48 hours after a snowfall ends. More information on snow clearing can be found here.
Download the Cycle Tracks Guide for more tips and illustrations on using the downtown network, and view or print a map of the full cycle track network.
Note: When operating in the cycling track, non-motorized and motorized modes are still expected to follow bicycle traffic signals and signs.
Two-way cycle tracks
- Tracks run in both directions on the same side of a street, typically a one-way for drivers.
- Tracks may be street level or on the same level as the sidewalk.
- Custom bicycle-traffic signals direct people cycling through intersections.
- Two-way cycle tracks are located downtown on 5th Street S.W., 7th Street S.W., and 12th Avenue South and parts of Banff Trail N.W.
One-way cycle tracks
- Cycle tracks are located on either side of the street.
- People cycling travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic.
- Tracks may be street level or on the same level as the sidewalk.
- Regular traffic signals direct all road users through intersections.
- There are one-way cycle tracks on 8 Avenue S.W., 9 Avenue S.E. and S.W., 11 Avenue S.W., Silver Springs Boulevard N.W., 24 Avenue N.W. and 19 Avenue S.E.
- As per the Traffic Bylaw change in 2019, modes of transportation other than bicycles are permitted to use cycle tracks, including skateboards, inline skates, kick scooters, and shared e-scooters.
Stephen/8th Avenue and Olympic Plaza
- People cycling share the avenue with people walking. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
- Cycling is permitted on the avenue between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., people cycling share the avenue with drivers between First Street S.E. and Sixth Street S.W., and leave the sidewalks for people walking.
- Between Macleod Trail and First Street S.E., cyclists share the avenue with both drivers and pedestrians.
- Bicycles are not permitted at any time in Olympic Plaza.
- Cyclists must follow all road closure signs and walk their bikes when pedestrian traffic is heavy.
- In sections where the sidewalk is designated for people cycling and walking, pedestrians have the right of way.
- As per the Traffic Bylaw change in 2019, modes of transportation other than bicycles are permitted in public spaces in the downtown core including Stephen Avenue Mall, and Barclay Mall. These include skateboards, inline skates, kick scooters, and shared e-scooters.
Bike Lanes
Bike lanes and shared lanes give people cycling dedicated space on Calgary roadways, better enabling them to access destinations across the city.
Bike lanes are typically on Priority 2 snow routes and cleared within 48 hours after the snowfall ends.
On-street bike lane
- Designated on-street cycling space
- Identified by a ‘Cycling lane begins here’ sign, and a white line, bicycle icon and caution symbol (diamond shape) road markings.
Shared lane
- People driving and cycling share the same lane.
- Identified by ‘Share the Road’ signs and road markings.
- Depending on the width of the travel lane and signage, cyclists and drivers may travel side-by-side or single file.
Signed bicycle route
- Identified by a blue and white sign and, in some locations, road markings.
- Signed bike routes indicate dedicated cycle routes are nearby (arrows point in the direction to follow).