BOW VALLEY – Power-assisted bicycles, commonly referred to as e-bikes, are now allowed to use the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff.
Parks Canada approved use of the electrical bikes earlier this summer after determining the bikes are compatible with the trail’s design and its intended use.
“At this time it is limited to only the Legacy Trail because there is less chance of user conflict or accidents,” said Greg Danchuk, visitor experience manager for Parks Canada.
“We are not at this time considering their use on any other trails where bicycles are allowed.”
He emphasized that only pedal-assisted e-bikes are allowed on the Legacy Trail, as opposed to throttle-assisted bikes that receive power when not being pedalled.
He said power-assisted e-bikes can reach a top speed of 32 km/h, which at full speed would allow someone to get from Canmore to Banff in less than an hour.
E-bikes are legally allowed on public roadways in both the Town of Banff and Canmore.
