Adaptive sidewalks

An adaptive sidewalk is a way to provide a safe, dedicated space for pedestrians by altering streets. They are used where there is no existing sidewalk or we cannot build a traditional one. They are intended for pedestrians, including people who use mobility scooters, wheelchairs, strollers or children under the age of 14 on bicycles.

Adaptive sidewalk design

Two adaptive sidewalks were built in 2017. Low concrete curbs with white posts were installed on the roadway to separate pedestrians from traffic. Signage is installed to mark where adaptive sidewalks are, so that people driving know where they can drive or park. In some cases, traffic calming curbs are installed along with the concrete curbs.

Adaptive sidewalk examples

Filling the gaps in our sidewalk network

As part of the Pedestrian Strategy, we are looking for ways to activate streets and build missing connections within our sidewalk network. Adaptive sidewalks will help eliminate some of the sidewalk gaps or missing links that exist in our sidewalk network. Providing these connections will help people walking safely connect to the destinations they are travelling to.

In some cases, roads have traffic lanes that are wider than required, which can lead to speeding concerns. The extra space can be converted to adaptive sidewalks so that pedestrians can use the space. Narrower traffic lanes can help reduce speeding.

21 Avenue S.W. adaptive sidewalk

The City of Calgary partnered with the community of Bankview to trial an adaptive sidewalk solution on 21 Avenue S.W. to improve community safety and comfort on Saturday, May 4, 2019. (See photos below of the event). Thank you to everyone who participated and provided their input on the benefits and drawbacks of the adaptive sidewalk concept for 21 Avenue S.W. The feedback is summarized in the What We Heard report.

Citizens' feedback was used to make a decision to proceed with implementing an adaptive sidewalk on 21 Avenue between 18A Street - 17A Street S.W. Even though parking will be impacted for one block along 21 Avenue, community members expressed that improving pedestrian safety is higher priority in this community. This is an important route for residents walking and wanting to access transit, the community hall and the Bankview playing field.

Construction of the adaptive sidewalk has been completed. Please see the map to view the location of the adaptive sidewalk on 21 Avenue S.W.

4 Street S.W. traffic calming pilot project

As part of the 4 Street S.W. traffic calming pilot, an adaptive sidewalk is being installed along the west side of 4 Street S.W. from 50 Avenue to 56 Avenue. Temporary traffic calming curbs will create eight curb extensions in the playground zone along 4 Street S.W. between 50 Avenue and 53 Avenue. These measures will provide people walking with a safe and dedicated space to walk, while encouraging people driving to travel at safer speeds.

48 Avenue N.W. adaptive sidewalk pilot

An adaptive sidewalk is being installed along the north side of 48 Avenue N.W., east from N Haven Drive to Egerts Park. This is an important route to connect kids and North Haven School and will help make walking a safe, healthy option. Eventually, this adaptive sidewalk and connecting pathway will be built permanently, with the adaptive version helping us design the final design.