A pair of mountain bikers were fined $400 each for riding Minnewanka Trail while the activity was under a superintendent’s ban.
Damian Francis and Gabriel Laroche pleaded guilty last week in Canmore Provincial Court in front of Judge Marlene Graham.
Crown prosecutor Anita Szabo said the pair were seen biking on the trail by patrolling Park Wardens shortly after noon on July 18.
“There has been increased bear activity in the national park and mountain biking is not allowed in certain areas, especially along the Minnewanka shoreline,” Szabo said.
She said mountain bikes travel quickly and bikers have been attacked in the past, resulting in bears having to be relocated. “Mountain biking is only allowed in certain areas and where it is not allowed it is clearly marked.”
The trail is also restricted to groups of four or more and requires hikers to carry bear spray.
Francis, who appeared for Laroche as well, said they had biked the trail earlier in the season and looked at the signage that day. He admitted he glanced at the sign and nothing on it about mountain biking restrictions stood out.
“It if is possible, make it a little clearer,” he said. “The sign could be better if it’s targeting a specific group.”
