A semi-retired dairy farmer and deputy reeve of the County of Lethbridge is pushing for a 15-kilometre bike path from Coaldale to Lethbridge.
Doeve became an avid cyclist 12 years ago says he bikes around 60 kilometres a week.
“I quit smoking and bought a bicycle and that’s my story,” Henry Doeve said. “I thought I should replace something negative with something positive.”
“Pathways are connecting communities all over Chestermere and Calgary, Canmore to Banff, Cranbrook to Kimberley. These are paths that they utilize to make something valuable for the community.”
The path would begin at Birds of Prey and join with Henderson Lake Park. While he notes the path’s ability to connect communities, Doeve says the biggest reason behind his push for the path is safety.
The proposed path will be on land owned by the St. Mary’s River Irrigation District (SMRID); which has approved it for use of a bike path.
The first phase will cost $200,000 and the entire project will total just over $3 million. A committee made up of county officials and bike enthusiasts has been formed to help raise funds. Doeve says the project is relying on private donations.
He says phase one of the project should be complete by 2017 and he’ll be the first to hit the pavement.
“I’m pushing the vision forward and I want to make sure this happens.”