Banff bike lane gets rave reviews from cyclists

An experimental bike lane that runs along a section of Banff Avenue is getting rave reviews fromcyclists.

The lane connects to the Legacy Trail that links Banff and Canmore.

• Alberta's Legacy Trail to expand through Canmore

Joan Quade, who rides from her home in Canmore, says the new route is much safer.

"They were on the road with cars and having to weave through streets, intersections, stop here, turn there," she said.

"We don't have to pay as much attention to what's happening ...to what the cars are doing, or the people are doing and so I can maintain my speed."

The bike lane is an experiment.Banff Town Council will review its success in about two months.

Cyclist Bernie Roth says the experiment is already a success.

"It could afford to go a little bit further, which I guess it might in the future, but it seems like a good idea," he said.

Keith Brodsky, who works at Soul Ski and Bike in Banff, says the bike lane has two main advantages.

"No traffic and a straight line right into the centre of town," he said.