Keep the Bow Valley Parkway closed!

Comments

#201

I enjoy cycling the parkway, keep it closed throughout the spring and summer. No vehicles are needed

Larry Sherwood (Devon, 2021-08-23)

#202

Enjoyed riding a bike where no cars can kill me was amazing. Bikes don’t pollute nor do they kill wildlife.

Marian Harvie (Banff, 2021-08-23)

#205

I have ridden the parkway numerous times over the past 2 seasons and it is always an amazing experience.

Brent Topilko (Calgary, 2021-08-23)

#209

The experience of biking the BVP car free has been one of incredible beauty along with safety for families and experienced riders alike. It will be a shame to lose this unique opportunity to show off our incredible park locals and visitors.

Heidi Fricker (Canmore, 2021-08-23)

#211

The eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway has become a true treasure for cyclists over the summer months. It's wonderful to see folks of all ages (especially families!) and abilities enjoying themselves on this beautiful road. As a national park, I would think Parks Canada would be proud of creating this rather unique summertime opportunity that allows cyclists to use the eastern half of the parkway while allowing cars to use the western section to Lake Louise. Seems like a win-win and a model for the successful co-existence of bikes and cars. I'm guessing the wildlife is also enjoying it tremendously:)
Must say I was rather disappointed (and confused given its success) that the summer months closure wasn't put forward as one of the options being considered.
Ideally, I would see a parking area created at Castle Junction with regular shuttles to Johnson Canyon rather than car traffic on this section. Many national parks (including Zion) embrace this model.

Monika Helbig (Canmore, 2021-08-23)

#213

Cycling is better than driving for the environment.

Dylan Dalgas (Canmore, 2021-08-23)

#217

This is a National Treasure!

George Irwin (Edmonton, 2021-08-24)

#219

Agreed! Let's make it an annual closure. I would propose returning the 23km section to Castle Jct to a seasonal closure for vehicles. Make Johnston Canyon accessible by Roam transit or bicycle. Less vehicles in our Parks and more public transit is our obvious future. This plan is part of that future.

Mark Thorsteinson (Banff, 2021-08-24)

#226

I'm signing this petition because I firmly believe that the Bow Valley Parkway (from Highway 1 junction to Johnston Canyon parking lot) should remain closed to car traffic throughout the summer. Doing so provides the public with an amazing (World class), environmentally friendly experience that promotes healthy lifestyles and ecologically friendly use of this natural resource - this should be a high-priority mission of our National Parks. It is used by 100's of people a day...

Gregory Funk (Edmonton, 2021-08-24)

#229

A joy to ride. Better for wild life not to have cars.

Donna Dunbar (Canmore, 2021-08-24)

#235

I’m signing because this has been used by people of all abilities on anything from training wheel bikes, hand bikes, tandem road bikes, ebikes, trailer bikes, chariots, walkers, hikers, seniors, families, individuals all the way to race clubs. It is THE ONLY place within 100km that I feel safe taking my children for a road bike ride. It is the only place we can bike side by side with friends.

Melanie Guest (Canmore, 2021-08-25)

#236

I have used the closed parkway multiple times for recreational use. There is nothing better than seeing the National Park on a manual peddle bicycle. Kind of what the parks were designed for, bring people into nature

Bernd Ennig (Calgary, 2021-08-25)

#237

Such a beautiful way to see the National Park and the Rockies

Yvonne Ennig (Calgary, 2021-08-25)

#238

This is a gem for tourist who want to experience the Parkway by cycling.

Elizabeth Walker (Calgary, 2021-08-25)

#241

I am signing because I do not feel the 2 options offered go far enough. I believe keeping the eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway closed to cars 7 days a week benefits the public, wildlife and the environment. There are ample roads to drive a car in Banff national park but so few to ride a bike safely where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the park without the disruption of constant vehicular traffic.

Karen Mazurek (St. Albert, 2021-08-26)

#244

I haven't been to Banff in YEARS. Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway got me back multiple times. It is such a great way to enjoy the beauty of our national treasures!

Loretta Cote (RED DEER, 2021-08-26)

#245

For anyone who questions closing this section of road to car traffic is a good thing, please take the time to look for yourself. Everyone is having a wonderful time! It is a very positive Banff National Park visitor experience.

The BVP is the only safe place for families with kids to ride in Banff National Park. Seniors are dusting off their bikes or buying new ones. Bike groups with guides are visiting the viewpoints and learning from the interpretive displays where cars seldom stop.

Further, I believe there are at least 20 times more people riding the Parkway today than the number of people who visited in cars. Could that be possible?

To those who believe a change in the use of a road or facility is wrong, it is essential to recognize change must happen to accommodate the increased visitation we are experiencing in Banff National Park.

Allowing thousands of cyclists to ride the Parkway each day takes the pressure off the traffic woes in locations where cars cyclists do not mix.

Please let us continue to have a safe place to ride our bikes in Banff National Park.

Cindy Anderson (Harvie Heights, 2021-08-26)

#246

I love the wildlife I have seen use that stretch of road as a wildlife corridor. People can access castle junction from the other direction and what a wonderful way to travel through the Rockies on a bicycle on a closed section of road that helps people get out and want to protect nature.

Jon Krohe (Canmore, 2021-08-27)

#248

The Bow Valley Parkway should remain permanently closed east of Johnston Canyon. This greatly reduces the impact of vehicle traffic on wildlife. It allows families with children to enjoy an active vacation in Banff park in a safe environment. The permanent closure offers cyclists and pedestrians an excellent visitor experience that can not be had by travelling in a car. The closure still allows vehicular access to the amenities of Johnston Canyon for those who must travel by car. The Bow Valley Parkway could be enhanced by track setting this section for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Ross Glenfield (Banff, 2021-08-27)

#249

With increased visitation to the Bow Valley, it has never been more important to protect spaces for wildlife and allow opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors in a healthy way with a low carbon footprint.

Marty Melchior (Canmore, 2021-08-28)

#251

I'm signing because having the 1A closed to major motorized vehicle improves the wonder of the Bow Valley. I'm a cyclist and father. I want both my kids and I to have the opportunity to bike/hike along the 1A without cars whizzing by.

Cory Boddy (Edmonton, 2021-08-28)

#258

A safe way to bike enjoyed by thousands of cyclists, families, hikers, walkers, x-country athletes dry training .

Fritz Jaggi (Banff, 2021-08-30)

#260

I am signing because I feel strongly that this 17 kms segment of the Bow Valley Parkway should stay closed to cars from May until The end of September 7 days a week

Penney Gaul (Canmore, 2021-08-31)

#261

I have enjoyed the car free portion myself and it has provided access to families and seniors who would likely not take this in with car traffic. Additionally it has been surprising to see how many animals/wildlife seem to be enjoying the lighter traffic as well. Keeping the castle to Johnson canyon portion available to car traffic has allowed those unable to bike and the tour operators to access Johnson canyon. It seems to me that it has been a win win win decision

Whitney McCoy (Canmore, 2021-08-31)

#272

I’m signing this because I have enjoyed the parkway multiple times. Getting to enjoy the scenery while exercising has been such a blessing and great way to see this area. I have recommended it to all my friends and will continue to suggest it for any visitors to the area. Please don’t take this amazing and unique experience away.

Tara McHardy (Calgary, 2021-08-31)

#275

Let’s keep incentives alive for activities in Canada’s parks.

Danica Doucette (Calgary, 2021-08-31)

#276

I believe in human-powered access to our National Parks

Debra Hornsby (Banff, 2021-08-31)

#277

The number of scenic drives is exponentially more than the places where cyclists can safely ride without vehicle traffic. The closed Parkway has provided a safe place for cyclists of all ages to ride.

Margaret Riordon (Banff, 2021-08-31)

#279

I enjoy biking and it's a lot safer to bike when their isn't thousands of cars on the road.

Larry Webb (St. Albert Alberta, 2021-08-31)

#283

I'm signing this to help protect wildlife and provide amazing activities for all levels, including safe adaptive sports opportunities. Banff National Park should be an area of inclusiveness which this road provides if kept closed to vehicles.

Joanne Tosh (Canmore, 2021-09-01)

#284

I’m signing cause I believe parks ARE there to protect wildlife, not to be a zoo

Katerina Zidek (Canmore, 2021-09-01)

#289

I love seeing all the families enjoying this great activity.

Bruce Johnson (Canmore, 2021-09-02)

#290

I have really enjoyed the national parks cycling experience with the 1A closure. Feel the two options offered fo not go far enough… would really like July and aug closures included 7 days a week… environmental impact… no cars for that section good for nature and the opportunity for a safe cycling experience!!

Mary McIntyre (Calgary, 2021-09-02)

#291

I think this is a great option for biking, car free. It opens up so many options for people who might be nervous about riding with cars

Colin Norman (Canmore, 2021-09-02)

#292

This opportunity has provided so many friends/family the chance to enjoy this epic bike ride. Both adults and children have this chance to ride without fear and support the local businesses

Rob Bell (Calgary, 2021-09-02)

#295

It’s a great way to cycle, see nature and allow animals an additional space, free from high speed vehicles.

Maura de Villenfagne (Calgary, 2021-09-06)

#296

Much safer for the animal life.
Wonderful having a road that is safe for hikers, bikers, boarders, and skaters to use without fear of traffic!

wallace king (clagary, 2021-09-06)

#297

Keeping this section of parkway open has proven extremely successful and does not prevent cars from using the parkway to get to Johnston canyon or the businesses nearby.

Jennifer Taylor (Calgary, 2021-09-06)

#300

Providing a safe area for people to cycle in the Bow Valley without having to worry about cars is allowing for access to a number of people who would not be able to cycle along that highway otherwise.

Jessica Bush (Canmore, 2021-09-08)

#302

I believe the parkway should remain closed to vehicles May-Sep every year to be enjoyed by the thousands of cyclists and pedestrians. This is a great way to access the area up close and get people moving and enjoying nature in an environmentally friendly and safe way.

Shirley Blundell (Calgary, 2021-09-08)

#304

I loved cycling this and think it’s such a unique opportunity to take your bike out to the spectacular Alberta mountains. It varies the offerings the province can offer and is something everybody should do and certainly a destination activity for visitors.

Kate Mak (Calgary, 2021-09-09)

#308

I support out door pursuits.

James Quinn (Calgary, 2021-09-09)

#310

The cycling traffic these last two seasons have shown how popular the parkway has been for riders. It seems like a win-win situation for not only cyclists but for wildlife and those who want a safe and easily accessible road to venture on without traffic. Please consider closing the road until the end of September. Ideally the whole road would be closed, but I think another good alternative option would be closing the section from Banff to Johnson Canyon and opening the road to vehicle traffic from Castle Junction to Lake Louise.

Karly Sovereign (Canmore, 2021-09-10)

#314

This is a great visitor experience for green travel through the park and to safely enjoy nature safely. Give the parkway back to the animals and people powered transportation!

Chris Booth (Canmore, 2021-09-10)

#316

The National Parks offer limited options for road cyclists to enjoy the outdoors and the summer closure of the Bow Parkway has been great for both the last two years.

Doug Orr (Rossland, 2021-09-11)