Ep. 6: The don't forget your helmet edition

The Confluence

What happens when a podcast host goes for a bike ride with city council's most ardent opponent of cycle infrastructure? Well, for starters, she learns that Ward 4 Coun. Sean Chu can indeed bike. Chu is the happy owner of a blue mountain bike and a helmet, which he regrettably forgot on our ride-along on Northmount Drive N.W. On this episode, hosts Trevor Howell and Annalise Klingbeil dive into the issue of bicycles in Calgary. And, in a city where the words WAR. ON. CARS. are uttered often, what an issue it tends to be. Between this month's warm weather, the bike inundation that defines popular music festival Sled Island, and the recent two-year anniversary of Calgary's contentious $5.5-million downtown cycle-track network (which is forever here to stay after a 10-4 council vote in December), we thought it was a fitting time to examine Calgary's complicated relationship with two-wheeled transport. In addition to the interview on two wheels with a helmet-less Chu, we talk to a school trustee, a city official, and another city councillor about the city's latest controversial endeavour — painted bike lanes on Northmount Drive N.W. We also have an enlightening chat with award-winning author, long-time bike blogger and current cyclist in chief at Shifter Tom Babin about all-things bike. As always, Kerianne Sproule makes us sound great. And, your feedback, advice, ideas, shares and iTunes reviews are appreciated.