Rules & safety

Ride smart. Ride together.

Open-road cycling, good judgment and respect for fellow riders and the national park.
Before the start

Safety essentials

Helmets, equipment and readiness
Every cyclist must wear an approved helmet with the strap secured. Carry identification, emergency details, repair supplies, hydration, food and weather layers.
Road position and traffic laws
The roads are generally open to vehicles after a controlled rollout. Obey all traffic laws, stay to the right, pass on the left only, and communicate predictably.
Permitted bicycles
Two-wheeled bikes are permitted. TT/tri bikes may be allowed, but do not use aero bars in groups or while passing. E-bikes must register for the E-Fondo category.
Headphones and personal support
No earbuds/headphones during the ride, no private support vehicles, and absolutely no littering.
E-bike expectations
E-bike riders do not compete for awards. Battery management is the rider’s responsibility; dead battery pickup is not guaranteed.
Emergency and SAG assistance
The event provides medical teams, mechanical support and SAG coverage subject to availability. Carry enough equipment for simple roadside repairs.
Rider sweep and cutoff
Riders missing posted cutoffs may need to accept event transport or continue independently under specified rules. Final 2027 cutoff times will appear in the athlete guide.
Further guidance

Safety policies to read

WILDLIFE

Flag alerts

Yellow/red flag guidance and route contingency plans.
MOUNTAIN WEATHER

All conditions

Cold rain, snow, lightning, wind and course modification.
AIR QUALITY

AQHI protocol

Smoke threshold and event cancellation process.
DURING THE EVENT

Rules & Regulations

MNP Gran Fondo Jasper is a supported recreational cycling event through Jasper National Park. Safety, responsible riding and respect for other road users are essential.

All participants must follow event rules, applicable traffic laws and instructions from event officials, RCMP, Parks Canada and emergency responders. Select a section below to review the rules.

01 General Event Policies

Event Authority

Event Directors, in consultation with relevant authorities as appropriate, may modify, shorten, reroute, postpone, suspend or cancel the event when required for safety or operational reasons.

Refunds & Cancellations

Registration fees are non-refundable, including in the event of adverse weather, course changes, postponement or cancellation, subject to applicable law and registration terms.

Weather Conditions

The event operates rain or shine. Severe weather, wildfire activity, hazardous air quality, road conditions or other risks may require changes.

Event Closing Times

  • 4:00 PM: Scheduled end of on-course rider support.
  • 4:30 PM: Event operations officially close.

Riders remaining on course beyond these times may no longer receive event support or an official finishing time.

Littering & Environmental Responsibility

Littering is strictly prohibited. Dispose of garbage only at designated locations. Violators may be disqualified or removed and may face penalties under applicable park regulations.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles always have priority. Slow down, stop, move safely aside or dismount when instructed or necessary.

Event Identification

Assigned event numbers must remain visible as instructed. Numbers may not be altered or transferred. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Shortening Your Ride

Riders wishing to shorten their distance should notify personnel at an aid station. Volunteers can assist with safe turnaround options and available transportation.

Never make unsafe U-turns or cross active traffic lanes without ensuring it is safe.

02 Cycling Safety & Riding Etiquette

Rules of the Road

  • Obey all traffic laws, signs, signals and authorized officials.
  • Ride as far right as safely practicable. Use a suitable shoulder where safe.
  • Never cross the centreline unless legally permitted and safe.
  • Pass on the left only when safe. Announce "On your left!"
  • Use verbal communication and hand signals when slowing, stopping or turning.
  • Maintain safe following distances. Never overlap wheels.
  • Watch for vehicles, wildlife, road hazards and other cyclists.
  • Reduce speed on descents, corners and congested sections.
  • Maintain control and ride within your abilities.

Stopping on Course

Signal clearly, move safely off the travel lane and stop in a suitable location. Give a thumbs-up to approaching support personnel if you are safe and do not require assistance.

Respect Other Riders

This is a recreational cycling event, not a closed-road race. Ride predictably, assist others when safe and treat fellow riders and motorists with respect.

03 E-Bike Participation

E-bikes are welcome in designated categories, provided they comply with applicable Alberta, Parks Canada and event requirements.

  • Awards: E-bike participants are not eligible for competitive cycling awards or traditional category rankings.
  • Passing: Use extra caution when overtaking conventional bicycles, particularly on climbs.
  • Battery: Riders are responsible for managing battery range and charge.
  • Depleted Batteries: SAG vehicles are not required to transport riders solely because their battery is depleted.
  • Mechanical Assistance: Limited assistance may be provided, subject to availability and safe loading requirements.
  • Road Safety: All traffic rules and event riding requirements apply equally to e-bike riders.
04 Course Cut-Off Times

Designated checkpoints will have official cut-off times. Riders must reach these points within the published times to remain eligible for an official finish.

Missing a Cut-Off

Riders who miss a cut-off may be directed to discontinue their event participation and:

  1. Return using an available event transport or SAG vehicle; or
  2. Where permitted by event officials, acknowledge withdrawal in writing and continue independently, without event support or an official finishing time.
Important: Event officials may adjust cut-offs or withdraw riders when conditions make continued participation unsafe.

Official checkpoint locations and cut-off times will be included in the Athlete Guide and communicated before the event.

Riders continuing independently remain subject to all traffic laws and park regulations.

05 Traffic Control & Road Access
Important: Gran Fondo Jasper takes place primarily on public roads that remain open to vehicle traffic.

Controlled Event Start

The event begins with a controlled rolling rollout coordinated with law enforcement and event officials. Following the rollout, riders must follow normal open-road traffic requirements.

Traffic Requirements

  • Keep right and use suitable shoulders where safe.
  • Remain on the correct side of the centreline.
  • Obey traffic signals, signs and authorized instructions.
  • Never assume intersections are closed or that cyclists have priority.
  • Exercise caution when turning, crossing intersections or entering highways.
  • Remain alert for vehicles, wildlife, pedestrians and changing road conditions.

Traffic Management

RCMP, Parks Canada personnel and authorized traffic-control teams may be positioned at key locations. Riders remain responsible for their own safe operation.

Course Safety Resources

  • Safety motorcycles and course marshals
  • Medical personnel and ambulances
  • Mechanical support vehicles
  • SAG vehicles
  • Aid station staff and communications

Support may not be immediately available at every point along the route.

06 Mechanical Assistance & SAG Support

Mechanical Support

Mobile mechanics and support personnel may assist with mechanical issues. Selected aid stations may have limited tools and supplies.

Rider Self-Sufficiency

Arrive with a properly maintained bicycle and carry essential supplies:

  • Spare tube or tubeless repair supplies
  • Tire levers and inflation equipment
  • Basic multitool
  • Water and nutrition between aid stations
  • Clothing suitable for changing mountain weather

Riders should be capable of completing basic repairs, including flat tires.

SAG Vehicles

SAG vehicles patrol designated routes and may transport riders who cannot continue due to mechanical problems, fatigue or other circumstances.

Transportation is subject to location, available space and operational priorities.

SAG support is a safety and recovery service, not guaranteed transportation on demand.

Tools, replacement parts and supplies are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

07 Medical & Emergency Support

Medical Coverage

Event medical resources may include qualified medical personnel, first responders and ambulances stationed along the course or within the support caravan.

First Aid

Basic first aid will be available at designated aid stations and the finish area.

In an Emergency

  1. Stop in a safe location.
  2. Call 911 for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
  3. Notify event personnel or the nearest aid station when possible.
  4. Follow emergency responders' instructions.

Participants requiring advanced medical attention may be transported to an appropriate medical facility.

Event officials and medical personnel may withdraw a participant whose condition presents a significant safety risk.

08 Feed Stations & Rider Support

The Gran Fondo route includes three planned feed stations.

Available Support

  • Drinking water and electrolyte beverages
  • Food and cycling nutrition
  • Basic first aid supplies
  • Limited mechanical tools and assistance
  • Volunteers and course information

Approaching a Feed Station

  • Signal early if you intend to stop.
  • Reduce speed gradually.
  • Move safely toward the designated station entrance.
  • Do not cut across other riders or stop in a travel lane.
  • Dismount within the designated stopping area.
  • Follow signs and volunteer instructions.

Where the layout permits, riders passing a station should keep left of the stopping area, while those entering move right. Posted directions always take precedence.

Timing

The event clock continues running during feed station stops.

Leave No Trace

Place all waste in designated bins. Never discard bottles, wrappers or other materials along the route.

09 Compliance & Participant Responsibility

Every participant is responsible for their conduct, equipment, preparation and decisions while on course.

Failure to comply with traffic laws, event rules or instructions from authorized officials may result in removal from the event, disqualification or denial of further event support.

The safety of riders, volunteers, emergency personnel and other road users takes priority over finishing times or completing a chosen distance.

By participating, riders agree to follow event rules and respect the unique environment of Jasper National Park.

Ride Safely. Respect the Rockies. Enjoy the Experience.

Ready to ride Jasper?