Enthusiastic conversations around potential cycling pathways connecting Okotoks and Airdrie to Calgary could open up a whole new way to explore the region. As e-bike access and popularity grows, commuting between the municipalities on two wheels is becoming a practical option for many cyclists.

It's still only October, but thanks to COVID-19 and Calgary's fickle weather, it's time to start planning for winter. After a summer full of park picnics, patio meals and backyard hangouts, the arrival of cold weather and the wet stuff will require a pivot to winter-appropriate outdoor activities. And if the rush to snag home fitness gear and bikes this spring/summer was any indication, equipment for traditional winter sports might soon be hard to find.

Here are a few ways you can stay active and social in and around Calgary this winter:

Winter may have put the chill on cycling for many Calgarians, but the City of Calgary's recent Winter Cycling Congress cast a spotlight on Calgary's efforts to make two-wheeled transport accessible for even more Calgarians.

Wheels are in motion for "Barley Belt" cycle path

More and more these days, people cycle to the office or pedal to the park, so why not bike to the brewery? At the moment, the lack of proper pathways is an issue, but owners of several southeast Calgary breweries are hoping the City of Calgary will pave the way to progress for their customers and staff.

An etiquette refresher for Calgarians on the move

Calgarians enjoy the largest urban pathway network in the country. Over 800 kilometres of pathways and 95 kilometres of trails throughout the city connect communities for a variety of users. As we approach the middle of another beautiful summer, it's a great time to review pathway etiquette for walkers, joggers, in-line skaters, pet owners and cyclists.

Tips for safe and warm winter cycling

When winter arrives, many Calgarians store their bicycles away until springtime.

But not everyone.

A growing number of people cycle year round, including during their daily commute. And in the winter, that requires some additional preparation.

Calgary falling behind on bike-sharing initiatives, say experts

The norm, rather than the exception: that's how cycling advocates describe the future of bike-sharing programs, which, like Car2go, offer a fleet of bikes (instead of cars) to the public for brief-period rental.

According to Google's Bike-Sharing World Map, 977 cities worldwide already participate in such systems.

Calgary is not one of them.

Calgary cycle track pilot seeing success in early days

For Calgarian Adrian Murphy, the opening of a second of four routes for the City's cycle track pilot is welcome news.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said of the Fifth Street S.W. track, which opened June 12 and will allow him to cycle from his home in Mission to the 12th Avenue leg, which opened on June 4, and then to work.

Calgary's extensive pathway network lets cyclists roam far and wide

Cycle City: A three-part series exploring biking in and around Calgary

What stretches 770 kilometres across Calgary, reaching virtually every area of the city, yet doesn't contain a single car?

Even if you are already aware of Calgary's extensive pathway system, the scope of the city's multi-use pathways is the envy of other cities.