Parks Canada has launched the second year of Bow Valley Parkway vehicle closures that benefit cyclists/Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, Paul Zizka

Banff National Park has launched the second year of the Bow Valley Parkway Cycling Pilot.

Vehicle use will be restricted on the eastern section of the parkway, to create a 17-kilometre (10.5-mile) motorist-free cycling route. This year’s program began May 1 and runs to June 25, and also from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1. Vehicle access on the parkway will resume once the pilot ends each spring and fall.

Those that plan to use the parkway are encouraged to start and end their journey in the town of Banff by parking at the Banff Train Station parking lot. From town, you can bike on Vermillion Lakes Drive to the Legacy Trail connector to reach the parkway.

During the pilot program:

• Vehicle access to the Johnston Canyon day-use area, trail, and campground will be maintained via the Castle Junction interchange on the TransCanada Highway.

• Vehicle access to the western section of the parkway, between Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise will remain open year-round.

• Services are limited along the Bow Valley Parkway, Banff Legacy Trail and Vermilion Lakes Drive. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and bring food and water, bear spray, appropriate clothing, gear for variable weather, and bike repair tools.

As part of the existing annual seasonal travel restriction for wildlife on the parkway between March 1 and June 25, all modes of travel will only be permitted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.