About Us

QUESTION 1: Active & Sustainable Transportation

How will you support and invest in active and sustainable transportation options — such as cycling, walking, and public transit — to help reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in our community?

Michelle Backhouse

I believe in investing directly in a mode shift away from single-occupancy vehicles. That means dedicating a defined share of parking revenue and grants to active transportation and transit projects, improving Roam service through employer and student partnerships, and enhancing shuttle and park-and-ride options so visitors can leave their cars outside the downtown core. Transportation planning must align with our climate and equity goals, serving workers, families, seniors, and people with disabilities while reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Allan Buckingham

I think we are already doing a lot towards these goals and would like to see us continuing current initiatives such as e-bike rebates, improved walking path connectivity, and investment in ROAM. As a family who believes strongly in these initiatives and has been living car free for 8+ years, we know the value of supporting active and sustainable transportation.

Grant Canning

Over my time on council, I have been a strong supporter of active and sustainable transportation. I do my best to live by the values of the active transportation community. I always walk or ride my bike around town, and I take roam whenever I can when I go into Canmore. Leading by example is very important to me.

My support of visitor pay parking was rooted in the creation of a dedicated funding source to implement initiatives that creates more opportunities for alternative transportation. I fought to limit the scope of where revenues can be allocated to initiatives that address sustainable transportation, rather than having the revenues go into general revenue for the town. This includes funding things like the mountain avenue bus lane and more roam transit.

Over my time on council, one of the decisions I’m most proud of was advocating to council to use visitor pay parking to fund free local transit for residents. The results have been stunning. In 2024 over 400,000 roam trips were attributed to locals, that means over 1000 trips a day were residents using our transit system to get to and from work or running errands. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished with roam transit.

Ted Christensen

A current concern arising from E bikes and bikes on the roads and pathways in communities across the current motor vehicle dominated world is safe operating of E bikes and bikes in parallel with motor vehicles. Ideally all operators follow the “rules of the road” established for all vehicles operating on the road.

Design of roads for operating independently would again be an ideal goal. Given more space and more money this would work best.

Within Banff’s perimeter, we have reduced speed limit across the board to 30 km/hr. primarily to create a greater margin of safety for bike and E bike riders. Also e bikes are allowed on a number of trails which were originally established as pedestrian trails which evolved to walking and bicycle trails and now include E bikes. The hazards have moved to include the trails and the road ways. With the pedestrians becoming the most vulnerable trail user.

Education is always an excellent tool. I would promote mandatory bicycle licensing and educating for bicycle and E bike operators.

I would also support regular enforcement of the rules of the road for bicycles and E bikes and for all users of shared roadways.

The licensing should not be egregious in style but bring a better level of understanding to achieve the goals you mentioned.

Reducing day use vehicle traffic would be an asset for any element of increasing safety. Reducing the number of large vehicles or restricting access times to community roads could also assist safety.

E bike rebates are an interesting way to shift the public opinions. There is difficulty in my mind though promoting rebates when we have food banks and food rescues to support as well as rents in the brackets they are in Banff. Further to that thought is that people buying E bikes don’t usually have to go to food banks so the question that arises is around the comparative benefits and who needs them the most.

To summarize: I support education for bike and E bike and other motorized equipment using roads and pathways. This needs be integrated with enforcement of rules of the road for all. Along with this; restrictions to vehicle congestion need to be put in place along with time guidelines for large vehicle use. All this of course costs more money. Where does that come from?

Seth Enriquez

Active and sustainable transportation has to be part of how we ease congestion and protect the place we call home. I support growing the pieces that already work for residents and workers. That means strengthening Roam transit access, expanding safe bike routes, and making walking connections clear and direct. My focus would be on practical steps that help people choose not to drive for short trips in town, while keeping in mind our winter reality and our visitor context.

David Fullerton

I will support active and sustainable transportation through strategic, integrated planning and dedicated investment. My priority is enhancing the Roam Public Transit system with increased frequency and expanded routes to serve residents and visitors better, including supporting the full build-out of regional connector services. I will also commit to continue with community incentives to switch to active modes of transit, including free ROAM transit for locals and rebates for e-bike purchases.

Marc Ledwidge

First, I will declare a potential conflict, and I certainly have a bias with this subject. I have been a volunteer mechanic with Community Cruisers for about 7 years. I already promote cycling as the preferred mode of transportation for as many people as possible. I would continue to do so if elected.

Chip Olver

I support continuing to invest visitor pay parking revenues in transit, cycling, and pedestrian improvements. This fund is almost 100% paid for by visitors and does not draw on local taxes. I’d like to see continued support for winter cycling incentives such as the studded-tire rebate, improved snow clearing on key bike routes, and other initiatives that help keep riders stay safe in all seasons. When picking my grandson up at daycare I see a number of creative family bikes for one or two children. I also had a conversation with a father riding his e-bike with two kids behind in a closed carrier. He said they rode year-round and were able to avoid a car purchase. I also support our public transportation, ridership on the ROAM system has increased by 400% in the last decade. I would continue to support free local ridership for residents and the discounted ridership costs on regional routes for low-income residents registered in the Banff Access program.

Active transportation improves health, and reduces traffic congestion and vehicle ghg emissions. An interesting note: Transportation is the largest contributor to Banff’s total greenhouse gases and the Town’s ghg emission calculation includes visitor vehicles.

Barb Pelham

I love active & sustainable transportation in our valley!

I currently sit on the board for Bow Valley Regional Transit and we are proposing a trial run of a new bus route from the Fenlands Rec Centre to the Banff Centre this winter. It will be up to the next council to approve this service.

I support continuing the ebike, studded tire and winter cleat rebate programs which have been so successful in inspiring active transportation in the winter for our residents.

I also support the idea of dynamic pricing for VPP rates for peak times… perhaps we have an increased rate on long weekends, Christmas break and 3 months of summer to dissuade folks from driving downtown and parking downtown.

Lastly, I support collaboration with Parks Canada and encouraging them to implement VPP in the Sulfur Mountain and gondola parking lots. Plus – it would be amazing if Parks Canada contributed significant parking options within the town boundaries to offer visitors to the hotsprings and gondola options other than driving over the bridge.

Kaylee Ram

Such an important question. I will continue to advocate and support investing into Roam transit – I’m especially excited that the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission passed a motion for Banff Council to explore the creation of a new route that will be explored to connect 50 Wolf Street, the trail station, and Fenland’s.

Brian Standish

Cycling and walking are two active and sustainable transportation options that help reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in Banff.

Switching car trips under 5 km to walking or cycling cuts per-person transport CO₂ by 84% on average (Wikipedia).
E-bikes consume as little as 16–50 g CO₂e per km, compared to 271 g/km for average cars (Our World in Data).

I would support these sustainable options by promoting dedicated bike paths, investing in more bike parking and other cycling infrastructure, and enhancing the e-bike rebate program.

Public transit is another very important green transportation option as it significantly reduces the number of individual vehicles on the road, thereby drastically cutting carbon footprints per passenger and reducing traffic congestion.

I would encourage further investment in ROAM transit, through expanded routes, more buses with a push towards electric buses.

Lesley Young

I agree that cycling and walking should be encouraged as “alternate modes of transportation” if only for the health benefits they provide. Mass transit such as Roam within the Bow Valley and other options such as On-It are also steps in the right direction regarding lowering of congestion and GHGs.

However, private-use vehicles will still be needed for many reasons, such as grocery shopping, taking pets that are not allowed on Roam busses to Canmore for vet services, and getting seniors and people with limitations to various destinations.

My main concern is education and training, and lack thereof, regarding bicycle operation and regulations. Bicycles fall under Motor Vehicle Operation regulations, yet I see and am sometimes affected by blatant disregard for such things as obeying Stop signs, traffic lights, and crosswalks. While bike helmets may not be mandatory for certain ages, just like ski helmets, they are a proven safety practice. Groups like Community Cruisers can educate, and promote such environmental preferences to, only those who really care.

Practicality and safety is my other concern. Regardless of how well planed and maintained our inter-connected pathway system may be, bicycles in winter are just like private vehicles, but with half of the stability. Coming down any slope such as Mountain Ave., or trying to prepare for sudden changes in weather, can be much more dangerous due to the lack of protection for the rider. And for many people a bicycle is simply not practical.

I support such programs where reasonable and practical, but they are not for everyone.

QUESTION 2: INFRASTRUCTURE

What specific actions will you take to make active transportation safer and more accessible for people of all ages and abilities, including year-round maintenance, connected bike paths, and safe crossings?

Michelle Backhouse

Safe, reliable, year-round infrastructure is essential. I support prioritizing snow and ice clearing on key multi-use paths, connecting gaps between neighbourhoods, schools, downtown, and transit hubs, and investing in well-lit, accessible routes. Safety must come first, with protected bike lanes where needed, safer crossings, and traffic calming in school zones. I’d like to see more secure, covered bike parking with e-bike charging, repair stands, and inclusive options for adaptive cycles and cargo bikes to make cycling accessible to all.

Allan Buckingham

Some of the key initiatives for me here are:

Increased ROAM frequency and routes. I’d love to see access to trailheads, and better access to the compound.
A better, safer way to get to the compound. There is work being done on a pedestrian crossing and path/sidewalk at compound road, in conjunction with Parks Canada, and I am very much supportive of this. With people working and living there, we need better safe, legal access that isn’t only via personal vehicle.

Grant Canning

Continue to implement the tactics in the trails master plan and other related guiding documents. We have made significant progress over the past few years, and we need to continue that momentum. We are fortunate to have a dedicated funding source with visitor pay parking. I have supported improved walking trails and sidewalks, for example, along moose street between Muskrat Street and Banff Avenue. I supported improved trail lighting. I supported the Mountain Avenue bus/bike lane. I supported the Wim and Nancy Pauw pedestrian bridge which has become such a tremendous addition to the community. I will continue to support these types of initiatives.

I’d like to see us do more around trail lighting for safety and trail use throughout the year. I would also like to provide more opportunities for walking and riding in the winter. Winter riding provides a real growth opportunity. As a recent convert to winter fat tire biking for commuting, I think there is tremendous opportunity to use bikes twelve months a year. To that end, I supported the studded tire and e-bike rebate programs.

I would also be open to paving more trails to allow for better mixed use, for example, along the Bow River Trail to and from Bow Falls. I support the creation of a dedicated pathway across the railroad tracks linking the train station and The Fenlands, including a formalized pedestrian crossing. I support the seemingly never-ending thirst for more bike racks. It seems the more we place downtown, the more bike racks get used.

Finally, I’m proud of our efforts to encourage visitors to use alternative transportation options to move around town. Encouraging the use of roam, wayfinding signage, communications and working with retail stores to encourage bike rentals have all proven to be successful.

Seth Enriquez

Safety and access start with basics done well. I would support year-round maintenance of key bike and walking routes, including reliable snow and ice clearing on identified priority corridors. I would look to connect gaps in existing paths so people can travel end to end without stressful pinch points. Intersections and crossings near schools, health services, and downtown need special attention with clear markings, lighting, and sightlines. I am open to small pilots that we can test, measure, and improve before scaling.

David Fullerton

My focus will be on making active infrastructure safer and usable year-round for all ages and abilities. Personal experience and feedback from the community has shown the need for separate bike/e-bike paths not just for separation from vehicle traffic but to avoid pedestrian conflict. I will also commit to enhanced year-round maintenance, specifically mandating that core active transportation corridors receive snow and ice removal treatment concurrent with primary vehicle routes.

Marc Ledwidge

The Mountain Avenue shared bike and pedestrian trail was a great enhancement for cycling on a busy roadway. For seniors, children, and people fairly new to cycling to feel safe on trails and bridges where cycling is allowed, speed limits of 20 kph need to be in place, and they must be enforced by Bylaw. A campaign of education is needed focussing on Ebikes. Many of these bikes can already easily exceed the Town speed limit of 30. As technology improves that maximum speed capacity will increase.

Chip Olver

Through the annual service review and budget process, I’ll continue to support projects that strengthen safety and connectivity. I would also continue to support the post-purchase rebates for e-bikes, walking aids to help in winter mobility and studded bike tires. With the council supported reduced speed limit to 30 kmp safety has been increased for everyone.

Barb Pelham

We’ve reduced the speed limit in town to 30km/hr to limit the speed differential between drivers and riders. The green sharrows help all on the road to know where cyclists will be, and to give them space.

A new stop sign has recently been installed on Fox and Deer Streets as the # of pedestrians, bikes and cars has increased through that area.

I would like to see stop signs on Buffalo Street & Muskrat Street intersection… there is so much pedestrian/cycle traffic mixing with vehicle traffic, it seems a prudent thing to do.

Kaylee Ram

Aside from continuing to fund and support winter maintenance of trails and snow removal, I’m really looking forward to seeing the trail lighting policy and the actions that will come from that. Council gave direction to see new assessments and possibly new installations to ensure that residents can feel safe not only all year long, but also all year. Not all trails and pathways are sufficiently lit, and this would hopefully help promote residents to use active modes of transportation during the dark, winter months.

Brian Standish

To make active transportation safer and more accessible I would to continue to promote the winter tire rebate program. I would also continue with the bike “sharrow” program which reminds bicyclists and motorists that they must share the lane. Education programs on road safety would also be a benefit to cyclists.

QUESTION 3: Collaboration & Community Engagement

How do you plan to collaborate with local organizations — such as Community Cruisers — to engage residents and build a culture of sustainable transportation and livable, vibrant communities?

Michelle Backhouse

Partnerships make these goals achievable. I’d like to work with Community Cruisers, Roam, schools, health organizations, businesses, and residents to build a strong Active Transportation Working Group. Together, we can expand programs like bike valets, safety campaigns, and winter-riding workshops, while collecting and sharing data on mode share and safety to guide decisions. I also support pursuing federal and provincial active transportation funding to accelerate progress.

Allan Buckingham

The reach and capacity of the municipality on its own is much smaller than when we partner with other organizations, and I think continuing to look for and work with partners is key. I think it’s important to reach out to organizations like Community Cruisers as initiatives are being considered, in implementation, and in promotion as we can always do more together, and folks like you are much more knowledgeable than administration in the areas you are passionate about.

Grant Canning

Continue to do what we are doing. I would encourage local organizations to work with our administration to bring forward their ideas to council. The best ideas are always the ones that come from grassroots initiatives. I am completely open to talking about your ideas and how best the municipality can support your suggestions. I really appreciate your organization and what you are trying to achieve, in particular the bike repair workshops and winterizing your bike.

Seth Enriquez

Collaboration matters. I would welcome regular check-ins with Community Cruisers and other local groups to share data, listen to front-line feedback, and co-host simple education pieces for residents and workers. I also want multilingual, plain-language communication so newcomers and temporary workers know the safest routes and winter tips. My approach is to start with what we agree on, try practical pilots, and report back so people see what is working.

David Fullerton

Building a sustainable culture requires genuine, consistent collaboration. I would like to bring Community Cruisers, accessibility advocates, and Parks Canada to the table and actively consult with them on infrastructure planning and maintenance standards. I believe that by focusing on safety, investing strategically, and collaborating closely with our community partners, we can successfully transform Banff into a truly pedestrian- and cycling-friendly model for communities within sensitive natural environments.

Marc Ledwidge

Council should continue to support Community Cruisers by providing larger shop space. Discussions are already ongoing. Council already provides incentives such as the E bike incentive. As some residents have suggested, why are those incentives only for Ebikes. I would support incentives for any bike purchase.

Chip Olver

I’m going to focus on Community Cruisers because you have made a difference in education, expanding cycling season to year round, offering affordable repaired bicycles for sale, sharing skills so others learn how repair their bikes and in the bike hubs in both Banff and Canmore. I want to be sure all residents – current and newly arrived know about the service offered. Personally, I’ve purchased a bike for a family member through your program and donated a bike needing repairs.

I’ll see you at the October 26 Share & Repair Fair at the Fenlands Recreation Centre from 10 am to 2 pm. I’m registered for your Keep Your Chain Rolling workshop. If you are reading this and don’t know about this event to in support of a circular economy please take a look: https://www.biosphereinstitute.org/events/2025/10/26/banff-share-and-repair-fair

Barb Pelham

To lead by example. I’m a proud to be a year-round cyclist. It brings me joy and I am happy to inspire others to try it and to embrace it. I proudly buy my bicycles locally to support small businesses.

Kaylee Ram

I’m extremely supportive of all the initiatives Community Cruisers does for our community, particularly for accessibility in accessing affordable options for people to get around our community. I will note that I do own Snowtips-Bactrax, which means depending on the context of the conversation – I do have to recuse myself. However, from a personal and professional standpoint- I’m extremely supportive everything that the Community Cruisers does for residents who struggle with being able to financially 1) obtain a bike, 2) maintain the performance of the bike.

Brian Standish

Partnerships, promotion and education are fundamental steps moving forward in order to build a sustainable transportation culture in Banff. I see Community Cruisers as the lead organization in making this happen.

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HUB Bike Workshops: Banff, The Fenlands – Tues 5-8pm • Canmore Rec. Centre – Wed & Thurs, 5-8pm

About Us

QUESTION 1: Active & Sustainable Transportation

QUESTION 2: INFRASTRUCTURE

QUESTION 3: Collaboration & Community Engagement

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