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There’s a new way to take in Jasper’s scenery while getting in some exercise: the electric bike.
Parks has announced that pedal-assist e-bikes are now allowed on all trails and areas where bicycles are permitted.
And the news has gone down well with locals.
Loni Klettl, a cycling ambassador who clears and tidies Jasper trails, said the move by Parks was “really progressive”.
“I’m really happy,” she said.
“Many of us are happy that our park went this way. It’s really suited to this park because of wide open space and trails and it will bring cycling back to a lot of people.
“We have an easy trail system that is absolutely wonderful and I am now starting to see people who haven’t been up to Pyramid Lake for years pedalling up there.”
With pedal assist electric bikes, the motor only engages when the pedals are being rotated.
These are the only e-bikes allowed on Jasper trails and there are restrictions on accelerators, and power assist features when travelling over 32 km/h.
Klettl said: “I’m really happy the park specified the exact specifications of what bikes and motors. They did a really great job defining what e-bikes are allowed.
“Some motors are too big, this is specifically for pedal-assist. If you don’t pedal it doesn’t go anywhere.”
Bikes that have an accelerator are not pedal assist e-bikes and may only be used on roads, not on trails, the new regulations state.
Jasperite Marta Rode said her e-bike changed her life and is a huge advocate for the sport.
She and her husband Brian were keen mountain bikers, their first date was a bike ride, but she had to give up the pedals when she got sick ten years ago.
“I didn’t do any biking until two years ago when Brian got me an e-bike,” she said.
“Now I’ve biked every trail I used to bike before and can go with my husband and don’t feel like I’m going to hold him up.
“It’s nothing but awesome.”
Rode said she thinks this new regulation will allow more people to experience biking in the park.
“I see this as a really good thing,” she said.
“I see the potential of people getting more connected with nature and spending more time outside, especially people who thought that may be out of their reach.
“For me, it gave me my life back. I get to enjoy one of my things I moved to Jasper for.”
And despite the extra power boost, Rode said e-bikes should not have a negative impact on the natural environment.
She said: “No one on e-bikes rip up the trail. I’m not going faster than anyone going on a normal bike.”
