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LETTER: Close the parkway to vehicle traffic

Editor: I am in favour of closing the Bow Valley Parkway permanently. Four years ago, three of us had returned back to the Parkway from a hike to Ink Pots. We were about two kilometres north of Johnston Canyon and were 10 meters from the road when we

Editor:

I am in favour of closing the Bow Valley Parkway permanently.

Four years ago, three of us had returned back to the parkway from a hike to Ink Pots. We were about two kilometres north of Johnston Canyon and were 10 metres from the road when we noticed three deer. One on our side, east of the road, and two on the west side.

Moments after noticing the three deer, we noticed the deer on the east side was looking at crossing the road to the west. In that instance, three motorcycles in close formation appeared over a hill just to the south of us, with two cars tailgating them. The deer decided to cross the road while the motorcycles were approaching.  The first motorcycle swerved to miss the deer by a split second and I'm sure the deer also moved out of the way very fast.

This could have been a big mess. For a moment, I was in shock, as we all would have been involved in the potential mishap. 

Two weeks ago, we were leaving Moose Meadows and headed north of the parkway. I checked both ways. Everything was clear, so I proceeded to turn right. In those three seconds, a large black SUV headed south and was in my lane since it was passing a couple of cars. I immediately pulled to the right to avoid a head-on collision since the black SUV was moving very fast.

I visited the Bow Valley Parkway in my car this summer and I found other vehicles to be going way above the speed limit.

It is 2021. It is time to innovate our recreation spaces. There are more pedal bikers. There are e-bikes, which have opened up more possibilities. Look at the use of the Legacy Trail – it has proven a great way to recreate for many many people.   

For safety reasons for wildlife and people being most paramount, I suggest closing the Bow Valley Parkway. A parkway open only for rollerbladers, cyclists, skateboarders and hikers will be an incredible way to recreate. Open for all ages – no experience needed.

Roger Katarey,

Canmore

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