Marda Loop is a great community for cycling. Whether it is a ride through the neighbourhood, joining up with the bike path system, or commuting to downtown, Marda Loop has lots of cycling opportunities. It is easy to find some quiet streets to get you where you want to go. For commuting to downtown, there is the choice to use a combination of bike routes and bike lanes for a 25-minute ride to the downtown core or following the Elbow River path system for a more leisurely 40-minute ride.
In just over an hour, you can do a scenic ride around the Glenmore reservoir on the bike path that includes the Weasel Head natural area. If you need to run an errand in the Marda Loop business area, how about taking your bike instead of your car? Parking is easy at the various bike racks, and all you need is a backpack and a bike lock.
When taking to the streets or pathways with your bike, remember three keys to a safe ride: wear a helmet, follow the rules of the road and pathways, and ride defensively. No matter how experienced a cyclist you are, always wear a helmet – use your brain and protect your brain. The rules of the road apply to cyclists as they do cars. For example, failing to stop at a stop sign with your bike is not only dangerous, but a ticket for this could start at $405. When cyclists obey the traffic rules, their actions are more predictable to motorists, making the car and bike combination better for both parties.
Speeding on the bike paths is unsafe for other users as well as discourteous. A speeding ticket on the bike path can cost $150, or $400 if more than 10 km/hr over the posted limit. Speed limits on the bike paths are clearly marked and are generally 20 km/hr in open stretches and 10 km/hr in more congested areas. With other users of the transportation infrastructure, particularly vehicles on the road, your own safety depends on you riding defensively with an awareness of your surroundings.
Getting out on the bikes with your family is a great way to experience what Marda Loop and its surroundings have to offer. Set a good example for your children so they can learn and enjoy this efficient and healthy way of getting around.
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