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Coun. Shane Keating said it could be difficult to enforce that change.

“But, at the same time, if it’s blatantly abused, then we should have something that could be put in place to acknowledge the unsafe practices of some cyclists and some motorists. . . . Both modes of transportation can be unsafe,” said Keating, chair of the city’s transportation committee.

“It’s going to be subjective. It’s not like you cross the yellow line — you did or you didn’t. This is, ‘are you within the safe zone or are you not,’ and that’s going to be subjective because no one can actually get out there and measure it completely.”

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An online public engagement process on the bylaw tweaks closed in late 2018, after the city sought feedback from Calgarians on the proposed changes.

Some residents expressed concern there might not be enough road space to accommodate the buffer when passing a cyclist, however most felt the change would increase safety.

Of those surveyed, many were against allowing skateboards, in-line skates and scooters in downtown public spaces and cycle tracks. Those against the proposal said there could be safety issues caused by varying speeds of the devices compared to ordinary bicycles.

“We’ve heard a little feedback that some of the cyclists want nothing on the cycle paths but cyclists,” said Keating.

“If we’ve got a cycle path and you’re a longboard skateboarder, then you should be able to use it the same as everyone else.”

If approved, the changes would also allow those new modes of transportation in downtown public spaces such as Olympic Plaza, Stephen Avenue Walk and Barclay Mall, and would allow devices like electric scooters to use the cycle tracks.