All Things Biking: Q&A with Community Cruisers
Words by Wildly
Photos by Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and Community Cruisers/Dark Horse Company
A summer well spent includes time in the saddle, especially in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a short, but oh-so-sweet window and we want to help amplify the stoke for the spoke. This is why we teamed up with our friends at Community Cruisers, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to promoting bicycle use for transportation as a means to improve health, sustainability, and equity in the Bow Valley, to chat all things biking.
Photo: Dark Horse Company
Q: What do you love about biking in summertime in the Bow Valley?
A: We love the mountain views and fresh air. Safe, separated, and connected bike-friendly infrastructure also makes it the convenient and most fun way of getting from A-to-B.
Q: So let’s get into it. Best trail for mountain biking?
A: Highline Trail in Canmore/Kananaskis Country.
Q: We already have a great list for the top road rides in the Rockies, but where is good for just cruising around?
A: Really, any roads connecting to community amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, shops, libraries, playgrounds, recreation centres and trailheads.
Photo: Dark Horse Company
Q: Now, what are some of the tips you’d give to beginner cyclists?
A: There are a few, in no particular order:
Plan ahead and experiment with different routes.
Weather can change quickly in the Rockies, so consider a basket or bag on your bike to stash extra layers, a bike lock, and anything else you might want to have with you.
Check out summer and winter cycling maps available on the Town of Canmore website as well as the fun Town of Banff Bike Month activities in June. Bike Month is a good way to meet new people and learn more about bike maintenance.
We recommend carrying bear spray and knowing how and when to use it.
It doesn’t need to be an expedition. Go for a little trip. Go to the grocery store, an ice cream shop, or your friend’s place. It’s still a bike ride.
Q: How about tips for advanced cyclists?
A: First of all, thank you for being patient with folks who are new to cycling or who may be visiting from out of town. It’s also a nice gesture to invite folks who may be new to town or to cycling to come ride with you. An invitation to ride can contribute to social, mental, and physical wellbeing, as well as a sense of belonging.
Q: Any observations Community Cruisers has to share on what makes a safe, encouraging environment for cycling?
A: Be kind and respect other people. And be predictable when travelling on pathways, bikeways, and roadways. This includes making noise on trails and in areas with reduced visibility to avoid wildlife encounters.
Photo: Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, V190 / I.A.ii. - 2 / NA - 31
Q: Photos of folks on bikes from the Whyte Museum date back to at least the 1920s, what do you guys make of this long history of biking leisurely in Banff?
A: Riding bikes is a fun and easy way to explore Banff. It’s exciting to see infrastructure improvements, along with the e-bike rebate, that have made it easier and safer for folks to get around the Bow Valley by bike. Bikes were around for a long time before cars and trucks took over. Historically, many road improvements would have been done with cycling in mind. It’s encouraging that we’re returning to that mindset.
Q: Best post-ride treat?
A: Ice cream! Or a coffee and a treat from one of our amazing cafés in Banff or Canmore.
Photo: Community Cruisers
Q: How can Community Cruisers help us live our best bike life this summer?
A: There are many ways we can help:
Volunteer with us. We have fun opportunities to park bikes at the Canmore Mountain Market, at local festivals, and bike mechanic roles at our Hub Bike Workshops in Banff and Canmore!
Tag us in your bike adventures this summer @communitycruisers
Bike not behaving? Come to the Banff or Canmore Hubs where volunteers will help you get it running smoothly again.
Need a bike? Community Cruisers sells affordable bikes! Check the website for shop hours.
Donate a bike! Community Cruisers will give your old bike a new life.
Q: Anything else?
A: Enjoy the ride!
A NOTE FROM WILDLY: You, the reader, are responsible for your own safety and gathering the information you require to tackle these trips. Please adventure safely.