Keep the Bow Valley Parkway closed!

Comments

#5

I am totally in agreement with this!

Rod Plasman (Canmore, 2021-08-07)

#9

Keeping the eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway closed to cars benefits everyone. It encourages environmentally friendly access to Johnson Canyon from the east while maintaining vehicular access to the Canyon and its services from the west. A win! win! A win for wildlife as well. Cycling or walking to Johnson Canyon has become a very popular option for locals, tour companies and visitors. I fully support this petition and thank Parks Canada for this wonderful experience these past 2 seasons! Let's continue the closure of the eastern section!

Val Sullivan (Canmore, 2021-08-07)

#10

I believe Parks should close this section completely to cars for the summer months to encourage cyclists snd create a safe place for family biking. Vehicle access to Johnston canyon is now opened so businesses there should be appeased.

Genia Luchka (Canmore, 2021-08-07)

#11

I use this safe cycling road very often, it is used by families, individuals training for races, it is a draw for many visitors. It is a safe road away from the traffic. Why close it?

Louise Julien (Banff, 2021-08-07)

#14

I believe that the Bow Valley Parkway is a great place for safe cycling in the Bow Valley. It is also safer for large animals if it is closed to Johnson Canyon. I don't believe any animals have been killed by cyclists...
Vehiclular traffic has most roads in the park available to them. Cyclists have very few. Let's share so families can cycle together and not have to worry about vehicles in Banff National Park.

Gary Doyle (Banff, 2021-08-07)

#15

I'm signing because re-opening the parkway to vehicles in summer will be bad for tourism and business and will kill our new guided ebike tours.

Gordon Stermann (Canmore, 2021-08-07)

#19

I am completely in agreement with the position put forward, and believe that the Parkway as a cycle route is by far the “highest and best use” of that section of roadway.

John Gow (Banff, 2021-08-07)

#20

I am a banff resident, an avid cyclist, support healthy and green initiatives. Banff needs more options for people to safely explore the park without vehicles

Jeff Langer-McIntosh (Banff, 2021-08-08)

#21

We are avid cyclists and Banff residents. We appreciated the closure over the past 2 summers and have used it extensively. We have witnessed how heavily it is used and enjoyed by all ages, and levels of ability. It is an all inclusive activity. Keep it going!

Nancy Blaney (Banff, 2021-08-08)

#23

I'm signing because I support more options for non-personal vehicle travel in the park. It's better for the environment, and offers a great national park experience that is healthy and based in nature.

Joel Hagen (Lake Louise, 2021-08-09)

#25

The past two summers have proven the value in converting highways to bike only routes. It is a great way to incentivize people to look at other transport options, reduction of total number of kilometers driven (and carbon fuels consumed), visitors slowing down and experiencing the park at a pace more in line with the park ecosystem, not to mention “green” business opportunities

Gord Irwin (Banff, 2021-08-09)

#27

I believe that the Bow Valley Parkway closure from Highway 1 to Johnston Canyon is a safe, low carbon way of recreating and enjoying the mountains for tourists and locals alike.

Vamini Selvanandan (Banff, 2021-08-09)

#28

Clearly, the closure has been massively popular for cyclists, walkers, skate boards, roller skis and baby carriages. There is no need for motorists.

Duane Kohut (Canmore, 2021-08-09)

#29

We've seen it demonstrated in previous summer seasons that the opportunity to cycle this portion of the Bow Valley Parkway, car-free, has been a tremendously positive experience for cyclists of all levels. Motorists have many scenic places they can go in the national park. Cyclists must otherwise share the road with cars, which is an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation for even elite road cyclists, not to mention families with young children. I support the initiative to keep the road closed to vehicles from May to end of September, 7 days a week, and create a world class cycling opportunity in Banff National Park.

Meghan Ward (Banff, 2021-08-09)

#30

We I have rode this section 3 times in the summer of 2020 and will likely ride it six times in 2021. It is an integral part of our visits to Banff national Park!!!!

Doug Irwin (Sherwood Park AB, 2021-08-09)

#31

I would love it to be open to Bikers only all week long. Thanks

Anita Erickson (Banff, 2021-08-09)

#33

Continue with the current vehicle access to Johnston Canyon (resort/canyon/campgrd) from Castle Jct. Walking park visitors are happy. Vehicles have more than enough driving options in BNP. Keep Fireside to JCanyon restricted to walkers/cyclists/rollerbladers...

Joseph Lunn (Banff, 2021-08-10)

#34

I am signing because I think it is important to leave this section of the highway closed because I believe that the car access to Johnson Canyon is plenty for the driving folks. Take a good look at all the users of the Eastern Secion of the highway. If this is open to vehicle traffic will all these people still cycle , walk, rollerski, etc on the road? If you build it , they will come. The Legacy Trail was a great success, so lets leave the Eastern Section of the 1A as is.

James Bannon (Banff, 2021-08-10)

#37

What is presently proposed by Parks Canada does not go far enough. The 17km eastern stretch of the parkway should remain closed to vehicular traffic from May through to October. In no way does this prevent vehicle access to services or accommodation on the rest of the parkway. People of every age from everywhere and are loving the experience, it's become a destination! Do not deny them this wonderful opportunity and experience during the busiest time of year being July and August. Please consider adding option C as this fits perfectly with Parks Canada's mandate.

Paul Sylvestre (Banff, 2021-08-10)

#38

I believe that this provides a safe and special experience for visitors and residents.

Lucas van Dyk (Banff, 2021-08-10)

#40

I'm signing because that portion of the parkway is greatly used by cyclists and walkers and is an attraction as it currently is

doug morton (Banff, 2021-08-12)

#45

I believe Parks Canada should close the eastern section of the Parkway to motor vehicles in order to reduce green house emissions and promote physical activity for people/families of all ages.

Paul Walsh (Kingston, 2021-08-12)

#46

The closure on 1A has drawn every age group, ethnicity, and family structure possible. It allows everyone to enjoy our beautiful park while feeling safe and secure on the road. The closure enables and promotes healthy activity and recreation - something everyone could use a little more of. In no way does it restrict vehicles to services or offerings in the parkway, rather it provides so many other options for people to get out and enjoy the space.

Sarah King (Calgary, 2021-08-12)

#47

Legacy trail was the start of a wonderful safe cycling corridor in the bow valley. Visitors and locals have made this very popular. Closing the 1A permanently seems like the natural extension of the Legacy and will also be very popular. The climbing and hiking that is accessed off the 1A can be reached by bike. I have climbed several times in the guides rock area during the closures and find that cycling at the beginning and end of the climbing day adds value.

Chris Turner (Canmore, 2021-08-12)

#48

More than ever people need to find comfort in nature , car free where people enjoy a walk cycling our national park is a perfect place for that it’s people nature ground to enjoy

Sylvie Pepin (Banff, 2021-08-12)

#50

I cycle almost every day on the Bow Valley Parkway because I feel safe with out cars buses and camper traffic!
I believe it was the best decision they have made… why change a good thing !

Madeleine Huot (Banff, 2021-08-13)

#54

I totally think it's worth keeping this part of the 1A highway closed - I personally cycled here 8 times and feel so much safer without cars and other motorists.

Alexander Keinath (Calgary, 2021-08-13)

#55

I ride the parkway up to 5 times a week! Much more pleasant experience and safer with cars off the road

Maggie Lindal (Banff, 2021-08-14)

#61

Brings more cyclist to town. Very safe area to cycle. Cycling destination

Patricia Marck (Canmore, 2021-08-14)

#64

There are very few options for cycling in Banff, both mountain and road biking, because of National Park restrictions. In the busiest months of the year, it becomes dangerous to cycle on busy (distracted driver) tourist roadways. This would allow an alternative safe option and support the environment.

Liz Wiltzen (Banff, 2021-08-15)

#65

I am happy to see more options for people who want to enjoy this privilege and travel in a car free zone.

Lorraine Widmer-Carson (Banff, 2021-08-15)

#66

I have a house in Canmore and like to ride my bike up the Parkway with no cars.

Steven Swenson (Seattle, 2021-08-15)

#68

Please keep the 17km from fireside to Johnson’s closed to vehicles

Leslie Sellers (Banff, 2021-08-15)

#69

I ride my bike on the road frequently.

Tom Emerson (Calgary, 2021-08-15)

#71

Awesome idea for people to take advantage of biking in safe way - I saw lots of families on my trip - great way for people to appreciate nature and learn to ride or adopt more biking safely and help environment - cars have other options here

Liz Zajdel (Calgary, 2021-08-15)

#72

I enjoy cycling the BVP andbeleive keeping it closed in summer is beneficial to a lot of people and wildlife.

Wayne Niddrie (Canmore, 2021-08-15)

#76

Cycling on the BVP is an amazing SAFE and fun way to exercise and enjoy our beautiful park. Please keep it car free all summer.

Marilyn Niddrie (Canmore, 2021-08-15)

#79

Being able to cycle on the Bow Valley Parkway last summer (2020) with no traffic was such a wonderful experience. It would be amazing if this option was available every year.

Jill Richardson (Merritt, 2021-08-15)

#80

We love cycling the Parkway! Even our 6 year old enjoyed riding it traffic free this year, and she wouldn't have been able to otherwise.

Sarah Slywka (Regina, 2021-08-15)

#81

I love the idea of cycling or walking this beautiful stretch of highway without having to share it with motor vehicles. The whole family - young to old- can join in this active fun.

Barbara Slywka (Regina, 2021-08-16)

#82

We enjoy cycling that route without fear of collisions. The road closure allows many more people the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors from preschoolers to seniors. It's a great thing.

Barbara Patterson (Saskatoon, 2021-08-16)

#84

This non motorized roadway is such a gem. Don’t give in to the motorized mainly out of area hoards. Many of our visitors only come for this.

Jeannie McBroom (Canmore, 2021-08-16)

#85

We did the Bow Valley Parkway bike ride recently with our children. We all had so much fun and we didn't have to worry about our children getting hit by a car. We would love to see the road remain closed from May until the end of September so that people can enjoy biking without worrying about cars.

Adele Lowther (Calgary, 2021-08-16)

#89

Having the Bow Valley Parkway closed allows for safe biking in Banff National Park. I have never felt safe biking on the shoulder of a highway and this past couple of years has allowed me to enjoy the beautiful scenery Banff National Park has to offer on a bike without the fear of being killed by a passing vehicle. I think a permanent closure and the right kind of marketing could turn this into a draw for cyclists around the world.

Vasiliki Antoniou (Calgary, 2021-08-16)

#91

I enjoy biking on this road with vehicles very much

Don Woollings (Canmore, 2021-08-16)

#93

Biking on the parkway has been a great experience and a safe way for my family to bike without traffic. If Johnston Canyon is still accessible from Castle side than I can’t see any reason for the east leg to be open. Love this bike and grateful to be out of traffic.

Sharon Koch (Calgary, 2021-08-16)

#94

I love this idea.

Ed Slywka (Regina, 2021-08-16)

#102

This is a really enjoyable and valuable resource to maintain car free. My family (and so many others) love it.

Jeffrey Mah (Canmore, 2021-08-16)

#104

I think that July and August are very important months to have this car-free road available for locals and tourists alike, as it provides an alternative to the busy hiking trails in the area.
It is obvious that these 17km have become a much loved destination for all ages!

Eva Sylvestre (Banff, 2021-08-16)

#106

More bikes less cars : )

Stephanie Blakemore (Canmore, 2021-08-16)

#109

Protect wildlife, reduce emissions and increase recreational enjoyment!

Julie Seibt (Canmore, 2021-08-16)

#112

It's a world class experience to bike (or walk etc) this stretch of the Bow Valley - for individuals or family / friend groups of all ages, sizes and abilities. Its value was proven during Covid, so why shut it down at all? Not everyone has weekends off, not all visitors come on weekends. And drivers have so many alternatives- they are not being denied, just encouraged to also enjoy the park outside of their vehicles.

Ann Morrow (Banff, 2021-08-17)

#113

I would like to see 1A closed up to Johnston canyon permanently, year round. What a great opportunity it is to be able to utilize the road relatively traffic free.

Nancy Murray (Banff, 2021-08-17)

#115

It is eventually inevitable, if one is slightly observant of the fact, Banff NP will be soon overrun by cars! Is Parks keen to put pylons on roadsides everywhere?!! Closing this section of the BVP would be an excellent start to offer multi users an option to enjoy this scenic route. I would propose that the road could be open to shuttle buses (at a reduced speed) as well.

Theresa Gawron (Banff, 2021-08-17)

#116

Protect the wildlife.

Mark Donlin (Kamloops BC, 2021-08-17)

#120

It’s a great way to promote safe road cycling

Caroline Le Jour (Calgary, 2021-08-17)

#121

I feel the two options proposed for the 1A don't go far enough in protecting this portion of roadway in the park from the never-ending vehicle traffic.

Nancy Burden (Edmonton, 2021-08-17)

#124

The 2 options provided actually are an insult. The best option during the summer months is to be closed for 7 days / week

Doreen Stermann (Hamilton, 2021-08-17)

#128

I agree fully with the points made.

Patrick Parno (Canmore, 2021-08-17)

#130

The 1A being closed has been incredible for the wild life and the people!!

Dominique Schmaltz (Banff, 2021-08-17)

#131

This is a fabulous feature for the Banff park that is accessible for all people. Another definite jewel in the banff crown. Leave the cars on Hwy #1.

Kris Olsen (Calgary, 2021-08-17)

#132

The physical benefits of non vehicular traffic compared to the ease of vehicle access make no cars an easy decision for me.

Doug Sather (Canmore, 2021-08-17)

#141

This one of the most popular activities in the area during the summer. The only other family friendly biking option is the Legacy Trail, which is now too crowded and not nearly as nice as the Bow Valley Parkway. Please keep it car-free.

Brian McKinlay (Canmore, 2021-08-18)

#143

The closure of this section of the road over the past two years is witnessing a transformation. Last year it was traditional cyclist, but riding it yesterday while still having cycling enthusiasts we have added families with children and trailers. It is a great success and will become a destination when international travelers return. Parks are for all and this little bit of road can have a huge impact on many lives for active visitors.

Dwayne Hauck (Calgary, 2021-08-19)

#145

I'm signing because keeping the 17km of Hwy 1A car-free provides cyclists of all ages and abilities a safe place to be outside and enjoy our national park.

Carol Hays (Calgary, 2021-08-19)

#146

I want a safe space for cyclists in the mountains.

Ally Hays (Calgary, 2021-08-19)

#151

This has been a great experience and should continue I use the road often and enjoy it. My whole family does

lee lindal (Banff, 2021-08-20)

#153

In a mountinous part of canada with very few backroads (such as the prairies & eastern canada have), this provides a regional bike path for thousands of National Park visitors and locals alike.

Michael Garrett (Canmore, 2021-08-20)

#156

I am signing this petition because I of my commitment to keep myself as healthy and well as possible as I age and my concern about climate change. The Canadian government needs to change practices in order to support Canadians willing to make personal changes to their habits that better serve our country. Reserving this section of the highway to pedal bikes provides a safe place for Canadians of all ages to enjoy this beautiful natural environment without causing any global damage that contributes to CO2 emissions. There are all sorts of other places for vehicle traffic - those park users don’t need to impose on this space. Please permanently make this motor vehicle free 7 days of the week. In winter it should be dedicate to support emission free sports like cross country skiing.

Rita Wright (Edmonton, 2021-08-21)

#159

It is important to have spaces without automobiles. July and August are the two months that the kids are off school and can take advantage of the road closure. Look what the Canmore to Banff legacy trail has done to get family's on bikes living a healthier lifestyle! Shame on Parks Canada for proposing to bring back automobiles on the 17kms of the 1a!

D. Harvey (Banff, 2021-08-22)

#160

I'm signing because we need to protect the quiet beauty of this trail. There are enough other places for cars.

Kathy Trepanier (Edmonton, 2021-08-22)

#161

I have just recently cycled this stretch of highway and it was without a doubt the safest, most enjoyable, exhuberant ride I have ever done in a national park! I bet the local wildlife enjoyed it too; the lack of noise, congestion, pollution, safety from vehicles.

Bruce Dunbar (Edmonton, 2021-08-22)

#163

I want to keep the road closed for biking

Tara Newbigging (Canmore, 2021-08-22)

#171

Having the Parkway closed to vehicle is the only reason I still road ride.
Trafic has become too scary to enjoy this sport safely anymore. Animals and humans both benefit from this closure.
Even the Legacy is too busy to ride nowadays.

Sophie Couture (Canmore, 2021-08-23)

#172

I that this stretch of highway should be used for non motorized recreation. There is no need for motorized vehicles to be on this highway now.

Neil Johns (Edmonton, 2021-08-23)

#174

Having a car free space is vital for our kids and family.

Sarah Pittard (Canmore, 2021-08-23)

#185

I've used the parkway both last year and this year while its been closed. It is great for groups and particularly for children and anyone nervous about riding a bike on the road. (The Legacy Trail is very busy in the daytime.) I've seen a lot of biathlon training happening in the area too.
I imagine limiting vehicles to work vehicles (Parks Canada) and bikes helps reduce the number of vehicle-wildlife collisions.

Denise Wheelhouse (Canmore, 2021-08-23)

#190

This is a safe place to encourage more people cycle

Jeff Giesler (Canmore, 2021-08-23)

#191

I used this frequently. It's incredibly enjoyable to have this highway available to use recreationally without cars.

Bram Houghton (Calgary, 2021-08-23)

#193

Not only has this section of road provided a brilliant opportunity for health and wellness on every level for thousands of people, the absence of motorized vehicles has lessened the impact of human movement on animals in the area.

Maureen Scott (Calgary, 2021-08-23)

#194

Keep the corridor free of vehicles!
Leave it for cyclists and animals.

Geoff Ince (Edmonton, 2021-08-23)

#195

It’s a good idea

Scott Sissons (Calgary, 2021-08-23)

#196

This is an incredible recreational resource, and fitness facility. Besides being a really beautiful biking area. This bike was the highlight of our trip west.

Ron Peverill (Sackville NS, 2021-08-23)