Use the trails

St. Albert is known for its abundant green spaces and an estimated 95 kilometres of trails, well-used by runners, in-line skaters, cyclists and residents taking a leisurely walk.

And the Red Willow Trail System is a scenic expanse running through the heart of the city, along the Sturgeon River, with connections from every neighbourhood.

The wide paved trails (with line dividers) are well-used by knowledgeable residents of all ages, according to Margo Brenneis, park planning specialist for the City of St. Albert. As a reminder, the city website (stalbert.ca) offers trail etiquette tips, said Brenneis, “common sense rules for safe trail use – we all share responsibility for the comfort of all trail users.”

Trail etiquette advises to keep right (except when passing or turning left), exercise caution (follow passing and speed guidelines as per cyclists), yield (to slower-moving traffic – cyclists to pedestrians, and joggers to walkers) and leash your dog.

Though the trail system currently stops around Lois Hole Provincial Park and Big Lake, city planners are always reassessing connections in every neighbourhood, Brenneis said, especially new subdivisions as they come on board and expand. “Our trail systems are important and actively used, especially in the summer season. Trails help define our quality of life.”

Parks through trail areas include Red Willow Park, Lacombe Lake Park, Lions Park, Kingswood Park, Big Lake, Riverlot 56 and the St. Albert Place Promenade.

Brad Holmes, of Cranky’s Bike Shop, said there’s rarely a summer afternoon or evening when casual cyclists aren’t somewhere on the Red Willow Trail System.

“We’re a big bike city. St. Albert has this awesome recreational option, where the whole family can come out for casual cruising on the trails,” he said.

For cyclists, the city advises wearing a helmet (mandatory for children) and using a bell when passing on the trails. Hydration is important in hot weather, so making regular water stops is crucial, whether on the road or trails.

While the RCMP does some bike safety education with school-age children, the city (together with Cranky’s Bike Shop) offers a summer camp combining cycling with water fun. Bike, Splash and Dash cycles to a different pool each day of the week-long camp, including Grosvenor Pool, Servus Place, Fountain Park Pool and the water spray park. The added bonus here is a safety refresher at the start of the week courtesy of Cranky’s, which provides timely reminders on bike and road safety for all campers.

For more serious cyclists (ages 20 and up), Cranky’s also hosts a group ride for mountain bikers and road racers. The roughly two-hour social club/group rides start from Cranky’s and go into favourite biking spots in the capital region – Edmonton’s river valley, Groat Road, Lois Hole Park, Riverlot 56 and more. Cranky’s store manager Fernando Darakchian said while St. Albert loves road bikes (faster, skinnier tires), mountain bike group sessions (staff participants and coaching included) are popular enough to gain a night of their own.

“We sometimes have up to 90 riders – it’s great exercise and a social outing for people who love to cycle,” he said. “We do go long distances, but our focus is just riding and having fun. Our main goal is to bring more riders to this wonderful activity, and the best way to do that is to help people get better at it. So the coaching is an important part of the rides – it makes a difference to the club members.”

Cranky’s Road and Mountain Cycling Club ($50 yearly fee) has a Monday night beginner ride, a Wednesday night fast-paced training ride, and the new mountain bike rides on Tuesdays. Crankys.ca has schedules and detailed information on the rides.

And if you’re inspired to enjoy a summer of cycling, make sure your ride is road-worthy. Check that tires, brakes and chains are in good working order, or take it in for service to a place like BJs Fix-It Shop, which offers a complete bike tune up for about $55.