Further to my last post, I want to give an example of the fine mobility choices currently available to Calgarians.

Here's what I encountered on 20 Ave N.W. when I was out reporting today (I was riding my bicycle and snapped this shot with my cellphone):

20 Avenue N.W. in between 4 Street and Centre Street

This street is ideal for cycling if it's clean. There are few stoplights and there's generally enough room in between parked cars and moving traffic to make it a safe and comfortable ride. Alas, it's June and the city hasn't swept the road clean of the winter's gravel.

Which gave me a choice. I could ride on the slippery layer of gravel — an extremely dangerous option, given the many parked cars in the way and the traffic whipping by to my left. Or I could keep to the left of the gravel, swerving into traffic when necessary to avoid going into the gravel. Another dangerous option. Or I could ride on the sidewalk, which is technically illegal.

Another option would be to move up or down a street to either 19th or 21st Avenue, but then I'd get stopped at nearly every block. It was an inefficient option.

Angry and cursing, I ended up straddling the gravel line until I realized I was going to get sideswiped if I kept going. Then I moved to the sidewalk. Such are the marvels of choice in this city.

This is exactly what the traditional development industry in Calgary is fighting for. More of the same. Haphazard infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, and an unwavering focus on cars, cars and more cars. Plan It, the city's long-range blueprint, would put cyclists, pedestrians and transit users ahead of motorists in city planning decisions. But no: the development industry says that's actually a violation of choice, since most Calgarians drive and want to keep driving at any cost.

Like I said, in Calgary there's really only one transportation choice that matters: the car. If you choose another transportation method, you're an aberration. Your choice doesn't really count.

Because really, who wants to ride their bike around the city or take the bus? I've heard both people in the development industry and local politicians talk this way, and they're completely serious. They can't imagine able-bodied people riding their bikes year-round, nor can they fathom why anyone would want to leave their car at home and take the train.

So there you have it: transportation choice, Calgary style. Ain't it wonderful?