Calgary’s on the cutting edge of recreation this winter, with the introduction of ice bikes and an ice trail for citizens to enjoy.
The 1.6 kilometre ice track in Bowness Park is expected to open before the end of this year. Along with that, Calgary will become the first city in Canada to use ice bikes. They will be available for rent on the Bowness Park lagoon.
“Today, we’re celebrating a new sport – ice biking!” said Coun. Ward Sutherland, in a prepared release.
“It’s brand new to Canada and we are proud to offer 10 bikes specially-designed for use on the ice.
They will be available for rent for $12 for 30 mins and $20 for an hour from the Bowness Park Skate Shop. The bikes are a single speed unit and users press back on the pedals to stop.
“Between each rental, the bikes are sanitized, cleaned and then they’re brought back out and ready for use,” said Todd Reichardt, Manager Parks North and West Region with The City of Calgary.
“We ask that all park visitors and users maintain a proper safe distance of 2 metres, as well as consider wearing a face covering or a mask.”
The Ice Trail
A new ice trail is set to open in Bowness Park. It’s an eight-centimetre-thick sheet of ice that’s been created by flooding the grass in the area with water.
Park users will be able to skate during park hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
At night, the ice area will be lit up with festive LED lights.
“Bowness Park is one of the most versatile parks in western Canada and, with the addition of the new ice trail and ice bikes, there is truly an activity for every member of the family,” said Sutherland.
All public health orders will be in effect, including limiting groups to household cohorts only.
More information on the bikes and rentals can be found on the city’s website.
