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As the city of Calgary continues to grow, planners need to think creatively about transportation.  The cost of living is on the rise, and it’s no surprise that many Calgarians are opting to go car-free, if their lifestyle permits.  Cycling is a fun and inexpensive way to get around the city, and it can save you thousands of dollars in parking fees, gas, and insurance.  The increase of two-wheeled travelers has recently prompted an exciting change downtown – the cycle track.

If you are not yet familiar with this project, here’s what you should know:  The cycle track is a bike lane protected by barriers from moving vehicles, parking spots, and pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk.  It is a protected laneway that promotes the safety of cyclists and reduces the possibility of a collision.  There is specific signage in place for cyclists, and modified traffic signals to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.  The laneway currently runs along several major downtown streets.

Did you know that over 12,500 cyclists travel in and out of the downtown core every day?  According to a recent study by the City of Calgary, there has been a 122% increase in bicycle travel since 1996.  The cycle track has been a pilot project that began construction in April of this year.  It was created by the city with the help of resident feedback.  Based on the experience of both motorists and cyclists, changes have been implemented to improve the safety and efficient flow of traffic.

For the most part, the new project has been well-received, but not without a few challenges.  Among them, the reduction of car parking in front of local businesses downtown has been a point of contention.  Store and restaurant owners have expressed concern that a lack of parking will deter potential customers because of the added inconvenience.  To address these concerns, the city needs to review each path on a case by case basis.

Making Calgary more cyclist-friendly is just another step towards growing a healthy and accessible downtown core.  If you live in the suburbs, you can still take advantage of the cycle track.  You are permitted to bring your bike on the CTrain and make your way downtown, as long as you are not riding during rush hour.  There are no restrictions on weekends or stat holidays.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Although I am a long way off from calling myself a professional, I am definitely passionate about cycling. If you are looking to take up a new sport that helps you maintain your physical fitness, allows you to enjoy the outdoors, and pushes your personal limitations, cycling is a fun and rewarding sport.

Join a group that will motivate or inspire you to ride. Although cycling can be considered a non-competitive sport, riding with a group will help you to improve your endurance. It provides a fun social atmosphere and holds you accountable to make sure that you get out and ride at the scheduled time.

Develop a training plan. Decide how far you want to go, and figure out what you need to do to get there. Establish a plan that will gradually get you closer to your goal without over exerting yourself. If you are used to working out with cardio equipment at the gym, you may want to invest in a power meter or heart rate monitor. This allows you to have a good idea of how your body is responding to the workout.

Sign up for an event like a race or charity ride. Forcing yourself to shape up for an important event adds an extra element of accountability. It gives you something to look forward to and helps you to connect with other cyclists. If you are new to cycling, start with a non-competitive charity ride for an organization that is meaningful to you.

If you are already into cycling … a little more than your average bird … MEC in Calgary is offering a great event on Saturday, April 26 from 6:30-10:30pm. If you are over the age of 18, MEC is inviting dedicated riders, performance cyclists and club-level racers to their first MEC Rider Expo. Alex Stieda will be on hand to discuss his training regime and his Olympic and Tour de France experiences.

And there will be beer! I’m registered! Hope to see you there.

Register here. It’s free! http://events.mec.ca/event/15187/mec-calgary-rider-expo

This June will be the second annual Bike Month in Calgary. The City of Calgary established Bike Month to provide an opportunity to promote cycling education and encourage residents to adopt this fun, economical and healthy transportation alternative. There are three family-focused bike festivals happening this month in the city. There are also a series of maintenance clinics and information sessions that are available for free or by donation.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

It has been almost 10 years since my family of four move to Altadore. We quickly fell in love with the community and became avid Altadorians. My son has loved it since the day we walked to the My Favourite Ice Cream shop and he saw the crazy number of ice cream choices.

Altadore has evolved significantly since we moved in. The old Safeway has moved west to the Garrison Woods site and Marda Loop has evolved into a more upscale restaurant and shopping district. Shirley loves that she can now walk to Phil & Sebastian’s her favourite place to meet up with friends. Yes we have Starbucks and Second Cup. In addition, we have neighbourhood pubs, yoga studios (even a Bikram Studio which Shirley loves), Chinook Music Studio, and two diners – who could ask for anything more?

Sure we miss the Farmers’ Market when it was in Currie Barracks just across Crowchild Trail, but we are looking forward to the new high street with its shops that will open there in a few years. Being on the east side of Crowchild has it benefits as you have lots of options getting downtown for work and play.

Great Schools

The main reason we live in Calgary is the incredible choice we have in education for our kids. Our children, as well as our niece and nephews who also live in Altadore have had great school experiences at Mountain View Academy, Altadore Elementary, Calgary Science School, Bishop Carroll High School, Saint James Elementary and Junior High School and Masters Academy. Calgary Academy is the school where our daughter found great success with her learning.

Shirley has been teaching at Central Memorial High School since 2004, she is currently the director of the String Orchestra program. This CBE high school boasts a great Performing and Visual Arts program, the National Sport Academy and one of the top teams of academic teachers in the city.

Just south of Central Memorial is the campus of the Career and Technology Centre at Lord Shaughnessy High School. This school has state of the art facilities where students can explore specific applied career pathways like being a chef, pharmacy technician, mechanic or a cosmetologist.

Hidden Gem

We are also close to The Military Museums of Calgary, which is a hidden gem. When family and friends visit for the first time we will often take them there where the history and artifacts are definately interesting. Calgary is often criticized for its lack of history, yet with the Glenbow, Fort Calgary, Heritage Park, Stephen Avenue, Inglewood and the Military Museums this city has much to offer. And they are all just minutes from Altadore.

Altadore is for the dogs

Max our dog loves joining Shirley on errands in the neighborhood. He is a local celebrity as everyone says “Hi Max!” He can count on treats at our RBC branch, the Post Office and especially from Kathy at Marda Loop Tailoring. RBC recently offered him a job as a greeter for 5-dog biscuits an hour, he really did want to take the job and was not happy to come home with Shirley.

Altadore boasts perhaps the best off-leash dog park in the city – River Park. It is a linear open space with lots of different tree plantings and rolling hills at the top of the Elbow River’s west escarpment (above Sandy Beach). As a dog owner we appreciate the benefits of being able to walk out the door and in minutes Max is running to play with other dogs and we can stroll on our own or chat with our neighbours and those visiting from other communities. River Park is the meeting place for the community – it is our town square. Even in the middle of winter, thousands of people will use the park for a leisurely stroll, tobogganning, or as part of a run.

Cycling Paradise

As avid cyclists, we can all cycle easily to 17th Ave and Downtown for some urban fun, or we can head to the Glenmore Reservoir for a more recreational and nature 20 km loop around the reservoir. Frequently I will ride ten minutes to North Glenmore Park, then do interval loops in the park for an awesome 60 to 90 min workout. Beginning in May, I leave can leave home on my road bike at 5:30 am and ride to Springbank and get home by 7 am to start my workday invigorated – with 45km’s in my legs.

Shirley loves to cycle downtown in the summer, ten minutes and you are there, no parking hassles, no tickets and it is all downhill so you are not sweaty when you get there! Exploring the city cycle paths gives a new perspective on the city, different from walking or driving. Shirley loves seeing all the horses in the parks along the bow river during Stampede week.

Great bike ride close to Altadore and Marda Loop.

The Arts

We are also looking forward to the opening of the King Edward School as an art space as we will be able to walk there for concerts and exhibitions, maybe take a class or two. We are also old fashion and love to walk to the Alexander Calhoun Library to just relax and read a few magazines or check out their recommended reading bookshelf. I told you Altadore is like a small town, you can walk to everything.

Great Investment

Altadore has been a great investment for our family, not only in the quality of life that it offers, but also in the capital appreciation of our home. Buying or first home in 2004 – was a bit like winning the lottery. Altadore homes have appreciated over 200% since 2005. The greatest appreciation of any community in Calgary.

While some people question, how can people afford a home in Calgary’s inner city communities today, I say how can you not afford one. The best investment we made was stretching ourselves to move to Altadore 10 years ago. I don’t know of anyone who has regretting moving to an inner city home in Calgary.

One of my neighbours recently said, “I feel like I went to bed in Altadore, and woke up in Elbow Park.” She said this as a result of the numerous million-dollar homes now in our community, with several recent sales exceeding two million.
Last word

While Calgary boasts many wonderful communities, there is something special about Altadore and its small town east coast charm.

When I’m not selling Real Estate … you can often find me out on  my bike. This time of year I’m normally out the door by 5:15am and enjoying rides to Springbank … or on the weekend I go longer to Bragg Creek, or South towards Millarville.

This past weekend I took the weekend with my son and raced in the Banff Bike Fest. It consisted of 5 races in 4 days. It’s a pretty special event. On Friday the Lake Louise Road Race had to stop … as we seen three bears  and one elk on  the course!

There was lots of speed, some good results & spectacular Crit Crashes.

I was pretty well  trained – and had the goal of a podium finish in Category 4.

In the end, I finished 5th in the GC in Cat 4.  I’m a little banged up after being crashed out on the final turn, just prior to the sprint in the Crit. My son also had a crash  on the same corner! He is healing well … but his bike is destroyed.