Caution Updated:

  • New! With continued snowmelt and rising waters, the Calgary Fire Department advises against boating and all other water activities on the Bow and Elbow Rivers, effective June 29, 2026. Learn more

Be safe. Ride smart.

More than 1,700 cyclists were injured over the past decade in Calgary, and seven people sadly were killed.

This summer let’s work together to share the pathways, bikeways, and roadways and help everyone get home safely.

Pathways are shared by people walking, rolling, and cycling. Everyone can help keep pathways safe by riding predictably, respecting others’ space and pace, and making courteous choices that support a safe trip for all.

  • Respect others’ space, pace, and experience, especially around slower and more vulnerable users.
  • Riders yield to pedestrians and keep right except when passing.
  • Be patient and stay alert. Pedestrians and riders should make predictable choices that help everyone move together safely.

Cycling on pathways

Respect the pace and space

Pathways are shared by people walking, rolling, and cycling. Everyone can help keep pathways safe by riding predictably, respecting others’ space and pace, and making courteous choices that support a safe trip for all.

  • Respect others’ space, pace, and experience, especially around slower and more vulnerable users.
  • Riders yield to pedestrians and keep right except when passing.
  • Be patient and stay alert. Pedestrians and riders should make predictable choices that help everyone move together safely.

Speed matters

The maximum pathway speed is 20 km/h unless otherwise posted. Your speed is your responsibility. Remember to:

  • Ride to the conditions, as busy pathways, curves, corners, and underpasses require extra caution.
  • Slow down in crowded or narrow spaces.
  • The faster you are going the less time you have to react if something changes suddenly, making crashes more likely and injuries more serious.

Pass with care

Safe passing means slowing down, making yourself heard, and giving others space, especially around people walking, children and people with limited mobility.

  • Use a bell, your voice, and/or an audible signal before passing or approaching blind spots.
  • Leave at least 1 metre of space and only pass when there is no oncoming user.
  • Slow down and wait for a safe opportunity, rather than rushing a pass.
  • Expect sudden stops or changes in direction from children, pets, and groups.
  • Avoid passing on blind corners or in underpasses.

E-bikes and e-scooters require extra care

E-bikes and e-scooters have added weight, speed, and operate quietly, which means riders need to be extra alert and considerate on shared pathways and bikeways.

  • Heavier vehicles and higher speeds can increase stopping distance, so begin slowing earlier and brake gradually.
  • Because they are quieter, use a bell or your voice early when approaching others from behind or near blind spots.
  • Helmets are required for all e-bike riders, regardless of age, and are strongly recommended for e-scooter riders.

Cycling on roadways

When people cycle on the road they have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles. Cyclists are more vulnerable road users and rely on people driving to pay attention, leave space, and make safe, predictable decisions. When sharing the road with people cycling, remember:

  • Leave at least 1 metre when passing at 60 km/h or less, and 1.5 metres when driving faster than 60 km/h
  • If you can’t pass safely with enough space, slow down and wait for a safe opportunity
  • Always shoulder check before opening your door, pulling away from the curb, or turning right across a cyclist’s path
  • Yield to people cycling as you would another driver, and avoid actions that can startle or squeeze them

Watch and learn

Check out local safety videos made by participants of the Travel Safe Student Video Contest!

Tools and resources