Editor:
It is great to see multiple responses to letters to the editor in the Outlook suggesting that the Bow Valley Parkway vehicle closure in spring and fall is inequitable and serving ‘elitist cyclists’. Certainly, if the author has been out on the section of Highway 1A in question on a Sunday this spring, the diversity of modes of transportation of all ages and abilities decries that notion.
I would like to echo the thoughts of those respondents.
To suggest that cyclists, pedestrians or any other non-motorized users of the road have equal opportunities to use the road when it is also open to motorists is an absurd obfuscation. Has anyone else had the experience of riding a bike on the side of the road and an impatient driver in oncoming traffic decides to overtake a slower vehicle in your lane? Coming at you unexpectedly within inches at passing speed?
It is a truly terrifying experience and makes one think twice about risking your life by sharing the road with motor vehicles. On this section of road, I’ve been passed by oncoming and going with riders of sport motorcycles travelling at extreme speeds well in excess of 120km/h. It is disingenuous to suggest cyclists have a safe environment and equitable access. Would any sane individual take their family cycling on a road after these kinds of experiences?
If the parkway is reopened all the time to motor vehicles, photo radar speed limit enforcement should be adopted at multiple locations along the parkway and proceeds donated to support Parks Canada.
In my view, Parks Canada should also adopt a seasonal closure of the section between Castle Junction and Baker Creek. This would still allow access to Baker Creek to motorists from Lake Louise. It would also calm traffic all along Highway 1A to ensure the safety of wildlife and non-motorized users.
Bruce Dalton,
Calgary
