Edmonton Freezeway

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Kipper is King

Also, I can imagine the legal challenges to the city would be huge if pedestrians/skaters get injured.

How would these legal challenges significantly differ from those of the bike paths, roads, a walkways that we already have?

Originally Posted by ken0042

I guess I need to spell out the logistics for you then:

- Would security want you bringing in something sharp like skates into the arena? They won't even let me keep the lid for my bottle of pop.

- Have you ever had to lug something that big into an arena? Where do you put it during the game? It would be uncomfortable under the seats, and I wouldn't want to leave a $500 pair of skates lying around when I go for a beer.

A few strategically-place lockers solves the "where do you put your skates problem". It's essentially the same solution as with bikes.

[BlackArcher101]

The transition period between pathway and freezeway would be interesting to watch.

[You Need a Thneed]

Good idea, but really hard to implement.

You really have to have a completely level path, but it also has to be pretty much completely grade separated from vehicle traffic. Pretty much the only thing that meets those requirements is a man made canal.


That's why there is one in Ottawa, they have a canal they can use. To build a canal long enough to be useful for commuting, it would be ridiculously expensive.

[You Need a Thneed]

Even rubberized crossings would be covered with rocks, which skaters would hate.

[HalifaxDrunk]

Originally Posted by Kipper is King

If the path isn't nice and level, rush hour will turn into Red Bull Crashed Ice!

This was my first thought. As soon as a hill is involved hilarity will ensue. The canal works in Ottawa because it's flat. Skating uphill will be tough depending on the grade and even a slight downhill will cause many injuries for weekend skaters out for family fun.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by SebC

A few strategically-place lockers solves the "where do you put your skates problem". It's essentially the same solution as with bikes.

I think you are underestimating the numbers. I think it would have to be a "few thousand", not "a few." Because while a few people might skate to the arena, a few thousand would try to make use of available lockers while at a game. If I could put my winter coat away for $2 while at a Flames game, I know I would do it.

[normtwofinger]

Originally Posted by ken0042

What do you do with your skates when you get to the Oilers game? (Other than be concerned they might try to draft you.)

At least you could stab someone with your skates at the game. After all it is Stabmonton.

[Jimmy Stang]

All other logistics aside, I think that this would be tricky for Calgary to implement due to our climate. Although we're hardly tropical, we do have a warmer climate than Edmonton, and we get a lot more freezing and thawing throughout the winter which would make it tricky to maintain the ice.

[Bill Bumface]

Why does the city spend so much money on a method of transportation that is only usable for 2 months of the year?

And what about all these skaters that think they are above traffic laws?

I think turning left through this proposed skating lane will be very difficult for motorists.

Just last week I had to slam on my brakes because a skater didn't see me in the process of my left turn and was going so fast he nearly slammed into my vehicle.