Bike to Work Day

Utilizing North America's most extensive urban pathway network, a record number of participants took part today in Calgary's third annual Bike to Work Day.

Lonny Balbi, the organizer for the event said that about 1,000 Calgarians took part - doubling last year's number of commuters.

"These people are getting an early start to the warm season, and reaping the rewards of biking to work," he said.

It could be because of the warm weather, the health benefits or an effort to save money, because the cyclists came-out in droves.

"I came for the free pancake breakfast," laughed the Lycra-wearing Derek Habson, as he chowed-down on some syrupy drenched flap-jacks at Eau Claire.

Participants also treated their bikes to a free tune-up at the Pedal Energy Support Stations located throughout the city.

Sponsored by Parks Foundation Calgary and The City of Calgary, Bike to Work Day promotes a positive, environmentally friendly means of commuting to and from the workplace.

It can also save time and money. In a recent experiment, Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson cycled from North Hill Centre to Eau Claire faster than two competitors - one in a car and the other on a bus.

The City is improving the 300 kilometers of on-street bicycle facilities every year with marked bicycle lanes and other bike-friendly measures to compliment over 700 kilometers of pathways.

Blue Cart

There has been discussion in the media because of the cost of The City of Calgary’s Blue Cart marketing and education campaign.

But according to The City’s communications chief, this one-time expense will save taxpayers money in the long term.

The City budgeted $500,000 to educate Calgarians about the recycling program that picked up its first blue carts on April 21 in the city’s Southwest.

Cindy Pickett, The City’s Director of Communications, said the initial marketing campaign saved tremendous stress and cost to The City’s customer service 3-1-1 call centre.

“Our initial research showed that when compared with other municipalities that launched similar campaigns, we could expect up to 30,000 calls in the month of the blue cart’s launch,” said Pickett. “Instead, because of our educational efforts, we’ve received about one-tenth of that number which is saving a substantial cost and maintaining great service delivery.”

Paula Magdich, program leader for The City’s Blue Cart Program, said the one-time cost to educate and inform customers is necessary to ensure everyone is on the same page when the program launches.

“This is a brand new program and we have heard from other cities that communication and public education is absolutely critical,” she said.

The first billings will appear on utility statements for southwest residents starting on April 24 while the rest of the program will be rolled out city-wide over the next three months.

Calgary is one of the top places to live in Canada according to a leading urban thinker

Calgary is one of the top places to live in Canada according to a leading urban thinker. Richard Florida, a renowned speaker and author of The Rise of The Creative Class, has listed Calgary as best-of-the-best in a study of 145 metropolitan areas in Canada.

The rankings, which consider five demographic groups, praise Calgary for its economic strength, quality of life and job potential.

In Florida’s most recent book, Who’s Your City, Florida says that places have personalities, and a citizens personal happiness depends on finding the city in which you can balance your personal and career goals to thrive. In Canada’s case, the city with a winning personality is Cowtown. Calgary ranked first for singles, second for careerists and third overall for families, empty nesters and retirees.

Mayor Dave Bronconnier said this recognition, and a Toronto Board of Trade report naming Calgary Canada's top city, are reasons for Calgarians to be proud.

“We consistently have received high marks by external, independent adjudicators and this demonstrates that Calgary is a very good place to grow a business or raise a family,” said the Mayor.