В национальном парке Банф закроют часть дороги для автомобилей ради пилотного проекта велодорожек

A 17-kilometre section of the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park will close to public vehicles beginning the afternoon of Sept. 1 for the fall phase of Parks Canada’s cycling pilot. The eastern section will remain closed through Oct. 6 and reopen to public vehicles Oct. 7. Related Stories: - Alberta’s Forest Protection Area saw first fire-free August day in 40 years - Calgary Zoo grizzly cub safe after getting outside habitat - Ready to roll: Crossfield’s new pump track opens to riders Drivers will still be able to reach the Johnston Canyon trail and campground through the Castle Junction interchange on the Trans-Canada Highway. The western 31-kilometre section of the Bow Valley Parkway between Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise will remain open to vehicles. Parks Canada said visitors should expect road work and service vehicles during the opening and closing dates as the cycling experience is set up and taken down. Cycling pilot runs through 2030 From 2022 to 2024, Parks Canada ran a three-year cycling pilot on the eastern 17-kilometre section of the Bow Valley Parkway, restricting public vehicle access during portions of the spring and fall. The agency said the three-year pilot demonstrated significant demand for a vehicle-free cycling experience and received positive public feedback. Parks Canada has extended the pilot through 2030. The agency said it will continue to monitor and collect data on visitor experience, accessibility, safety, enforcement and wildlife management considerations during the extended pilot. Where cyclists should park Visitors planning to use the cycling route are encouraged to park at the Banff Train Station parking lot. From Banff, cyclists can travel along Vermilion Lakes Drive and use the Legacy Trail connector to reach the Bow Valley Parkway. Parking along the Trans-Canada Highway is not permitted. Parking at the east entrance of the Bow Valley Parkway is limited to accessible parking. Parks Canada says all non-vehicular use of the road is permitted during the cycling pilot. E-bikes are permitted on the Bow Valley Parkway and Banff Legacy Trail, although Parks Canada says they are prohibited on most trails in Banff National Park. Some vehicle traffic, including vehicles used by utility operators and for Parks Canada operations, will still occur during the pilot. What visitors should know Services are limited along the Bow Valley Parkway, Banff Legacy Trail and Vermilion Lakes Drive. Parks Canada is encouraging visitors to bring enough food and water, appropriate clothing and gear for changing weather, bike repair tools and bear spray. Visitors are also being reminded to give wildlife plenty of space, respect signed closures and remain on trails, pathways and roads. Parks Canada asks visitors to report wildlife encounters to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470. Get your local news directly from the source. Bookmark DiscoverAirdrie.com and download the DiscoverAirdrie app to stay connected wherever you are.