New bike lanes coming to MRU

Jesus Turpin bikes to MRU most days, "except when it's -50 C," he joked. Turpin, who works at the university, said he thinks the new lanes are a good idea. Photo: Bryan Weismiller

Cyclists rejoice — biking to Mount Royal University may be getting more convenient.

New bike lanes are planned to be painted on 50th Ave. S.W., which will connect Mount Royal with the city’s bike path system, making it easier for two-wheeled commuters to get to school.

The lanes will connect MRU to the River Park pathway system via Mount Royal Gate.

The acre of land south of MRU is currently under construction and will eventually be developed into three blocks of non-commercial land. Ald. Brian Pincott said he asked to have the bike lanes added when the city started discussing plans to redevelop the ATCO land.

Pincott, a cyclist himself who lives next door to Mount Royal University, said there’s “no question” the lanes will get more people biking in the area. He added that any opportunity to make roads safer for cyclists and drivers is important.

Pincott also said he’s gotten positive feedback from the community about the lanes, but many people are not aware of them.

However, not everyone thinks that the new bike lanes will encourage cyclists to hit the streets.

Peter Choate, MRU professor and avid bike rider, said he doesn’t think the new lanes will get more people cycling to and from the campus. He said it’s about the convenience of where you are in relation to the school.

“It’s great for people who are already avid bike riders and it will be helpful for people who want to head to the southwest,” Choate said. “I would be shocked if even one more person rode their bike to school.”

The bike lanes are only going to run on the east side of Crowchild Trail. Traffic is slower on the west side of the road heading towards Mount Royal and therefore thought of as safer for cyclists.