A group of residents at a seniors home in Calgary’s Beltline community are fighting against a proposal for a new bike lane in front of the building.
Residents at Grace Gardens near 15 Avenue and 10 Street SW have started a petition in opposition of a two-direction bike lane that they say will impact vehicle access to their building.
“They are putting our lives at risk if we cant have access to an ambulance to come to the door and give us service quickly,” says resident Gerry Morgan.
The project will move the current bike lane along 15 Avenue SW from the south side of the road to the north, putting it right in front of the Grace Gardens loading area.
The city also plans to add a cement barrier to the lane and prohibit vehicles from parking on the street.
“Our children come to visit us and some of us have maid service to help clean,” says Morgan. “All of those things cannot park in front of the place anymore if this goes through.”
In a statement to CityNews, the City of Calgary says the designated loading zone for the seniors home will be relocated 50 meters west to 10 Street SW.
“Our project team is also actively reviewing the design to explore the addition of a loading zone in front Grace Gardens’ front entrance,” reads the statement.
The building’s primary vehicle access is through the back alley where onsite parking and the rear doors are located, according Ward 8 Coun. Courtney Walcott’s office.
Still, resident Ashleigh McNear claims the back entrance does not make a good alternative since it is “too small” and congested with parking.
“It’s impossible,” she says. “All of our vehicles are in the back parking lot, the maintenance vehicles for the building are here. The garbage truck can’t even get in.”
Morgan says around 100 residents live in the building and, so far, 69 have signed the petition.
The new bike lane is expected to be put in nest year.