Elbow Valley Cycle Club - Other Activities

Education

The EVCC provides educational opportunities to increase member's cycling skills and ability. Three levels of Canadian Cycling Association CanBike Skill workshops cater to the novice, the commuter and to the instructor candidate. The 20 hour "Cycling Sense" program enables the graduate to choose an appropriate bicycle, adjust it for proper fit and perform basic maintenance. The course offers participants instruction in correct riding procedures, such as gear shifting, handling techniques and group riding skills. The second and third levels of the CanBike Program are directed at tour coordinators, commuters and prospective instructors.

Advocacy

The EVCC's advocacy initiatives endeavour to create "bicycle friendly" policies and facilities in our urban, rural, and wilderness areas. Through participation in the Calgary GoPlan and Pedestrian and Bicycle plans, cyclists have enjoyed successes such as the ability to take bicycles on Light Rail Transit during off-peak hours and more secure bicycle parking at C-Train stations. In addition, busses destined for recreation areas have been fitted with bike racks.

Airport Facility and Access

The EVCC was also involved in establishing an airport bike facility, where travellers can assemble or disassemble their bikes for air transport. This facility has been temporarily dismantled during the ongoing construction phase of airport improvements. A new bike path providing access to the airport was completed and is now being linked to the city's pathway system.

Although we saw many positive changes, there are constant challenges as well (e.g., grooved rumble strips on our highway shoulders and the Road Ban for Bicycles in Springbank, the latter of which having been contested in court and subsequently succesfully resolved in the meantime.. )

Pathway Winter Maintenance

Since we first made submissions to Calgary City Council in 1998 to have major pathways cleared of snow, we now enjoy many kilometers of clear pathways for cycling, jogging and walking during the winter months. The initial six snow free pathway sections had been such a resounding success, that snow removal is now routinely and timely done, benefitting year-round commuters and all Calgarians who enjoy the outdoors in the city.

Alberta and the Mandatory Helmet Law (MHL)

Since 2002 Alberta has an MHL, stipulating that youth under the age of 18 years must wear a helmet when cycling. At the time of the MHL proposal by the Province there were a number of submissions made by various stakeholders. The EVCC has posted an investigative paper by John Franklin "The effectiveness of cycle helmets" as well as a History of Bicycle Helmet Laws including a detailed response to a submission of the Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research to the Alberta legislative assembly.
You can also check out the web site of the ONTARIO COALITION for BETTER CYCLING (OCBC) on Current Helmet Law Discussions, Frequently Asked Questions, and Discussions on Pros and Cons for the MHL in Alberta.