1st Street cycle track plan rejected by city committee

A city committee has rejected a plan to build separated two-way biking lanes nearChinatown.

City staff had recommended the $3.6-million cycle track be installed on First Street southeast linking Riverfront Avenue with the Talisman Centre.

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But after a lengthy debate theplan was defeated ina 4-4tievote.

Members of Calgary's Chinese community expressed concern that the bike lane would add to traffic congestion and make parking more difficult.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi also had reservations about the First Street route, suggesting it should be installed a trial basis first.

The overall downtown cycling network plan goes before council in April,at which time theFirst Street plan could be revived.

One leg is already in place a dedicated two-way bicycle lanes opened last summer on Seventh Street S.W. between the Bow River pathway and Eighth Avenue.