Biking Jasper’s trails and roadways
Tips, tricks and regs with park warden Joe Storms
For most of us who are still watching the snow melt off our roofs, patiently waiting for better signs of spring, it is difficult to even think about getting our bikes out yet. However, with much recent road clearing work by the municipality and above-zero temperatures each day winning the war with the snow on the trails, biking season is just around the corner.
It’s
nearly time to cruise out to Old Fort Point using Red Squirrel or check out the new Woodpecker trail between Jasper Park Lodge and Lake Annette.
On the other hand, this is Jasper! There are many hardy folks who enjoy the fun and sometimes challenge of riding year-round. There are plenty of logistical complications to winter riding—layering up, trying not to fall as you round an icy corner, and, as with winter/spring driving, a few regulations and common sense precautions to keep in mind.
Here are a few tips, tricks, regulations and observations from Joe Storms of the Parks Canada Law Enforcement Branch (Warden Service) on staying safe while cycling around town, on the trails, and on the highways as we finish out what’s left of winter and head into summer.
“All too frequently, I see cyclists ride down the middle of the road or side-by-side, which can impede traffic. Also, our team have all seen cyclists zipping through an intersection or coming out of an alley without stopping or slowing down.
“Perhaps the most concerning issue, especially this time of year when the sun disappears early behind the mountains, is that cyclists are often on town and park roads without any lights. This means cyclists are often almost invisible to vehicles until the last moment. All traffic laws are in place for the safety of motorists and cyclists alike. More importantly, these laws are relevant for all seasons,” explained Storms.
As a cyclist you have the same rights and duties as a motorist in the summer and in the winter, which means:
- Obey traffic signs and signals.
- One person per bike unless it’s made for more.
- Ride single file in town. Cyclists may ride two abreast elsewhere, but it’s always best to ride single file, especially on narrow roads.
- Bikes must be equipped with bell and brakes.
- At night, have a headlamp in the front and red tail lamp and reflectors in the rear.
- Cyclists under 18 require a helmet—but they work well for all ages.
- Use proper signals when turning or stopping—motorists cannot interpret your intentions.
- Don’t impede traffic flow—ride as close to the right side of the road as practical.
- When on your bike, you are treated like a vehicle. When walking alongside your bike, you are treated as a pedestrian.
- Check for warnings or closures before heading out.
- “Got money to burn? Blowing through a stop sign at an intersection can net you a $287 fine; riding without a headlight, taillight, or reflector can result in a fine of $115 each for a total of $345!
“With these fine amounts you could purchase a new bike. What would you rather spend your money on? Remember, park wardens, the RCMP and Jasper bylaw work to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike, and these laws are in place for everyone’s safety. Nobody wants to be the motorist to hit a cyclist on Jasper’s roads and no one wants to get hit,” said Storms.
Help protect the park and park users by contacting the Warden Service to report a violation or situation you feel is not quite right. The 24-hour contact number is 780-852-6155 or toll free at 1-877-852-3100. Email them at [email protected]. For more information on Jasper National Park regulations, or trail conditions, visit www.pc.gc.ca/jasper and click on either ”National Park Regulations” or “Trail Conditions Report.”
