Way back in 1994 the City approved a perimeter pathway for Nose Hill Park. Since then no budget has ever been allocated, but the proposal has been bandied around extensively. Some are suggesting a pathway outside of the existing park boundary, which could be very unaesthetic and just as dangerous as riding on the freeway. Others have proposed a pathway fenced on both sides to prevent pathway users from entering the park. One party has even proposed removing the Porcupine Valley pathway - you'll notice that it was erased from the Calgary Cycle Map this year. CMBA would like to approach the problem with a slightly more conciliatory attitude.

CMBA believes that an inexpensive but functional pathway can be formalized around the park without tons of asphalt, fences, freeway crossings or impediments for bicycle access. What we would like to see is a way of linking the access routes(*) so you can ride up and down the hill on a variety of paths, or circumnavigate the park. It will be multi-use and can accommodate people's recreational needs as well as providing bicycle commuters with an alternative to freeway riding. And it can fit with the parks natural character.

We are looking for at least two people who are willing to make a commitment to see this effort through with the City. The City has been approached and can set up a sub-committee in the fall to review the issue. These sorts of efforts generally take over a year so we would like someone who can commit to attend up to two years of meetings, perhaps six per year, and captain the effort. The purpose is to develop a clear plan for a perimeter trail, so that the pilot trail or any other trail re-designation fits in with the plan.

If this sort of effort sounds interesting to you, please contact Pete Griba at pngriba@pgco.ab.ca or 804-0619. Even if you can't make a full commitment, we still need people behind this to plan the trail - it's a big park!

* Officially bicycles are restricted to all but 2% of the escarpment trails. Unofficially this ban has never been imposed.