At noon today there was a press conference for the Bow River Flow. Gerald Wheatley, from the Arusha Centre, who is sponsoring the event, was the first speaker.

Gerald started off saying that “this is a carbon free press conference. We wheeled this battery powered PA over (in a bike trailer). The batteries are powered by wind”.



He stated that he is “a Sunnyside resident, a yearly bike commuter and jogger, and I own a car that I try never to drive”.

Gerald said that “our goal is to enjoy a Sunday afternoon on our pathways and on Memorial Drive. Ride your bike, jog, take transit, or if you are going to drive, park at a distance and ride your bike and walk. Leave your car at home. The last thing our community needs is more traffic congestion or parking problems”.

“The event runs from 10am to 4pm on August 23 on the two south lanes of Memorial Drive closest to the river. The day will begin with free coffee for those who bring their to-go cup to Gratitude Cafe and a $10 vegan brunch will be offered. Throughout the day there will be the Calgary Zoo mobile, Public Library story tellers, games and face painting for the kids, yoga, Tai Chi, didgeridoo workshops, street hockey, bike assistance for repairs, and skateboarding activities. There will also be buskers along the route all day”.

The next speaker was Kerri Treherne, who is on the board of directors of the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association and has been a resident of Sunnyside for the last 15 years.



Kerri went on to say that “the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association is in support of the Bow River Flow. We believe our community will benefit from the event. We hope that other communities in the years to come will join our effort to create a parkway that is city wide.”

She further stated that “bikers, rollerbladers, runners, walkers, dogs, and children would all appreciate a little more space to move in. It is especially necessary on weekends. The Bow River Flow can make this happen. People can travel with minimum interruption on a paved accessible pathway and not have to worry about altercations with vehicles”.

The next speaker was Natalie Odd, who was delighted to speak today in support of the Bow River Flow. She said that “to build healthy homes and communities, we need healthy and safe places for cyclists and tricyclists, dogs and families. It is a fantastic idea to open up a new pathway for cyclists and strollers on August 23”.

Natalie went on to say that “as someone who has lived in Calgary for 30 years and who lives on Memorial Drive, as a bike commuter and a mother of a small child, and as a director of the Clean Calgary Association , I believe the Bow River Flow is a healthy, fun, family and community oriented event. I look forward to attending with my family. I look forward to seeing plenty of my fellow Calgarians there too”.

The last speaker was Gary Beaton, from the Calgary Tour de Nuit Society. He provided the humour of the press conference. He began by saying “my record with the media hasn’t been all that good. The last time I talked to reporters had devastating results. Since it is lunch time, we thought we would bring something to appease some of the reporters here. There is one in particular that needs to get fed”. He then threw a pack of Sharkies at the Calgary Sun’s Rick Bell.

Side note: Rick Bell is one of the most outspoken media spokespeople against the Bow River Flow. I thought it was funny that he was wearing Mephisto Shoes. Mephisto is a word used to describe a devil like character.

The Tour de Nuit is a 14km “Ride the Road Tour” of Calgary, where the route will be closed to cars. The Tour de Nuit will also be happening on August 23.

Gary understatedly said that “Calgary is a little bit behind in terms of the promotion of cycling”. He further elaborated saying that “one of our solutions is geared towards existing bike commuters who want to let it rip. People will have 14 kilometres to ride without an SUV in their face. It is also geared towards those who are concerned about the environment, to reducing their eco footprint”.

There were three city councillors in attendance at the press conference. Ward 7 City Councillor Druh Farrell, who brought the Bow River Flow idea forward, was present. In the press release she said that “over 200 roads a year, including major arteries are closed. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the river bank and to promote being healthy. This area is going to really be beautiful once the renovations are done. It will be vibrant. It will encourage people to get out of their cars on a Sunday”. The Bow River Flow is occurring in Druh’s ward.

Ward 9 City Councillor Joe Ceci was also in attendance. He has mentioned that he is hoping that the Bow River Flow event goes through Ramsay in the future. Joe’s Clean Team will be helping pick up the garbage after the event. Email clward9@calgary.ca if you are interested in helping out (gloves, garbage bags, and garbage pickers will be provided).

Also in attendance was Ward 11 City Councillor Brian Pincott. He said that in Ottawa they have been doing this for years. From 9am to 1pm from May to September each year in Ottawa there are 50 km of roadway that is closed to cars.

For more information on the Bow River Flow visit http://www.bowriverflow.ca