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.

With many people trading in their downtown commute for a home office due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proximity to the city centre has been less of a priority for house hunters this year.

In fact, a new emphasis on creating comfortable, productive workspaces within the home and the reduced importance of living anywhere near the office have increased buyer interest in areas just outside Calgary's city limits – where prices are lower and space is plentiful.

Calgary's inner city has everything at arm's reach

Having recently returned to Calgary after living in London, England, Jon Dola has just commenced his search for a new home.

And despite having been back in the city for less than a month, he's already made up his mind as to where his new home will be located.

"I'm looking in Kensington, Sunnyside and Bridgeland," said Dola, who lived in Calgary for nearly eight years prior to setting off to Jolly Old England.

Decreases to Alberta's education budget causing further concern for Calgary parents

Candice Collins is no stranger to long commutes. Growing up in the northeast community of Rundle, she had to navigate the city's public transit system for hours each day to attend William Abrehart High School in city's northwest, her designated French-immersion school.

Now in her 30s, Collins is worried her five-year-old son may face the same fate in getting to school.
"[I'm concerned] he's going to wind up with a super long commute. Because in order to find the programs and the atmosphere that I want, we might have to move around," she said.

"I have quite a few people who have told me they have to take their kid great distances every day. Maybe their elementary school is close, but then their junior high isn't close and their high school might be even farther."

Transit communities provide options for Calgarians on the go

Calgary's evolution as a transit community didn't happen overnight. It just seems that way.

The city's light-rail transit system actually dates back to 1978, when construction began on the south leg, stretching nearly 11 kilometres from Anderson Road to Seventh Avenue. More than three decades later, the system has added three more lines, most recently opening a new $122.9-million Tuscany/Rocky Ridge stop along the northwest Red Line.

Driving only one option for Calgarians looking to access the downtown core

For Calgarian Eric Westrum, cycling to work downtown is a no-brainer.

While he now lives in close proximity to work, Westrum used to live in the northwest, meaning a 30-minute two-wheeled commute.

"I like my bike because I can get to where I need to go quickly and effortlessly, especially downtown, and not have to worry about parking," he said.

CREBNow's three-part series examining the news, community and culture of cycling in the city

Even when the snow falls hard and fast, there are still those who brave Calgary's snowy streets on their bicycles for their weekly commute to work.

Before moving downtown about a month ago, Eric Westrum made the downtown commute on his bicycle — utilizing John Laurie Boulevard and the 10th Street bike lane from his home in Brentwood — year round.