Consultation just began on upgrades to make 3 Av S safer for people of all ages & abilities. Disappointingly, misinformation is already swirling, fuelled by a Councillor who doesn’t represent the area and who hasn’t done his homework speaking on @CBCEyeopener. Here’s what’s up

Chinatown was devastated by the 2013 flood. This wonderful community never fully recovered and businesses continue to struggle. Work begins soon on the Downtown Flood Barrier to help prevent a repeat of that disaster in Downtown, Eau Claire, East Village and especially Chinatown.

What does that have to do with a street safety upgrade? The Bow River Pathway will close for the flood work, with 5,000+ people per day, of all ages, going by #yycwalk, #yycbike, and #yycscoot detoured onto Chinatown and Eau Claire streets. These Calgarians need a safe detour.

AND we can improve long-term safety for the communities. 3 Av S is the only direct E/W street from Eau Claire to Chinatown. It has seen several recent deaths and collision injuries. This project is an opportunity to make 3rd safer for everyone, regardless of how they get around.

AND we can better support significant planned future development in Eau Claire and Chinatown. This project gives thousands of future residents, employees, customers, and tourists more options on how to get around safely.

AND we can bring more customers to Chinatown and Eau Claire restaurants and shops. 5,000+ new potential patrons will walk and wheel by our great local businesses daily. This is a tremendous opportunity for businesses to get new money in their tills and new bums in their seats!

Research consistently shows that walking and cycling upgrades improve safety AND are good for business:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2018/11/16/cyclists-spend-40-more-in-londons-shops-than-motorists/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

https://www.tcat.ca/resources/bloor-street-economic-impact-studies/

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/2012-10-measuring-the-street.pdf

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8tOk7_upXv5djhCajg1Z0I3bmhTVTIxWldwRzA0YjJWNW9R/view

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5de57d746b779f2d5a37b184/t/5df030701a5c2b4efad358aa/1576022135871/Protected+Bike+Lanes+Mean+Business2015.pdf

https://sfbike.org/news/bikes-mean-business/

https://www.yyccycletrack.ca/bikes_mean_business

This isn’t bikes vs cars or pedestrians vs scooters or businesses vs the City. This is making a street safer for Calgarians no matter how they get around, while bringing new customers to local businesses, and building critical flood mitigation. Doing nothing is not an option.

City staff developed draft concepts so that residents, businesses, and pathway users can see how this upgrade could take shape. But no decision on a design has been made. We’re at the beginning of the process and City is soliciting feedback right now! at: https://engage.calgary.ca/3Avenue 

If you have ideas on making this project better this is your chance. Head to the site, get the facts, review the options’ pros/cons, and have your say. We want to hear your aspirations, your worries, and your suggestions so we can build the best project for Calgarians.