Trails BC
1247 Charter Hill Drive V3E 1P1 Coquitlam, BC, Canada

As we're winding down the year, we hope you're able to make some time for yourself to take a trail someplace near. A lot of trails are snowy this time of year, so pay attention to the teaching of Avalanche Canada in this guest blog post from Destination British Columbia.

Individuals can access rebates for e-bikes through BC SCRAP-IT, an organization that provides incentives for scrapping an old gas vehicle. With provincial CleanBC support, the rebate for e-bikes has been increased to $1,050. You can see details including participating e-bike retailers here: https://scrapit.ca/otherincentivechoices/

We are pleased the BC Government is making advances with their Clean BC despite all the criticism for not reducing C02 fast enough. One of the things they've done is to increase their commitment to active transportation which us rail trail users think of as "RECREATION". "Active transportation does not have a single definition. At its most basic, it refers to all human powered forms of travel. Walking and cycling are the most common, but running, scootering, skateboarding..., in-line skating, using a wheelchair, paddling, skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding and using electric bicycles or scooters are all types of active transportation." https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/active/ The Great Trail British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) Destination British Columbia Outdoor Recreation Council of BC BC Marine Trails Network Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC

The Trails Society of BC is currently in the process of addressing access and barriers to active transportation infrastructure within rural Indigenous communities. This is being done in collaboration with a recent Bachelor of Arts graduate (major in Indigenous Studies, minor in History) from UBC Okanagan who self-identifies as Indigenous. It is important to have first-hand insight into ongoing issues that affect Indigenous peoples and communities. This work is being done thro...ugh the Greenways for All grant which has been provided by the Vancouver Foundation. It is crucial to address access related issues within Indigenous communities, as these communities are disproportionately affected by a lack of active transportation infrastructure, this leads to higher pedestrian collisions and fatalities as a direct result. The goal of this work is to address the needs of Indigenous communities, on a nation-to-nation basis. This is one way that Trails BC is actively working to address Anti-Indigenous racism in relation to trails and active transportation. See more

Initiatives like these are so important, in terms of addressing the barriers of entry to buy a mountain bike and the necessary equipment or to purchase equipment for backpacking trips. Addressing these equity-related issues ensure that these forms of activities can be enjoyed by everyone. We at Trails BC strongly support this initiative put forth by Bikepacking Roots clink the link to learn more!

We request the Government of BC to reverse the decision to turn 67km of the Columbia and Western Rail Trail into a roadway. Our current legislative and regulatory framework (Forest Range and Practices Act -FRPA) is totally timber-centric with other values such as wildlife, watersheds, biodiversity, fisheries, tourism and outdoor recreation. No continued industrial or privatized modification of BC Rail Trails in this Province should be allowed until FRPA is updated from the 2019 consultation and Endangered Species legislation is enacted. FRPA must reflect improved forest management incorporating climate science and adaptation, improved public consultation and dialogue, and increased prioritization of recreational values, biodiversity and wildlife habitat in land use management.

Go to page 24 to find out more about the popular NorthStar Rails to Trails between Cranbrook and Kimberley, and what is means to the the local communities. We know its a valuable tourism and recreational asset, but by some is also referred to as Canada's Best Commute. The Great Trail

If you live in the Columbia Basin Trust region and you are in the backcountry for winter travel, these workshops are for you!

This is an interesting article from photographers sharing their advice on photo equipment and how they produce what they produce.

We are thrilled to learn that the Regional District of Central Kootenay is upgrading the trail surface of the Great Northern Rail Trail between Svodoa and Troupe Beach south of Nelson. (Correction from Roads Areforwimps: The entire length of the rail trail from Cottonwood Lake to Troup Beach will be complete before winter.) This is what needs to happen for KVR Rail Trail so it will be able to give a positive rail trail experience for users. Recreation Sites and Trails BC ...needs funding in order to accomplish this - to be close to nature enjoying a rail trail free from motor vehicle conflict.. Photos RDCK and roadsareforwimps Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Outdoor Recreation Council of BC Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC Destination British Columbia HUB Cycling BC Epic 1000 Recreation Sites and Trails BC Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Really important to have training and equipment when venturing out into the mountains this time of year. Part of training is learning when it is safe and when it is not safe to go.

We would like for people to continue to contact us if you experience problems with The Great Trail in British Columbia, but also be sure to use this website. This crowdsourced app is valuable to helping researchers understand where trouble spots are for cyclists and if you look at their blog, the info collected has been used to help improve public policy decisions by government. A win win for everyone. BikeMaps.org

Examples of cycling in cold weather taking advantage of greenways and parks during the past couple Sundays in the Vancouver region. Dressing warm in layers is the best way to manage cycling as the weather cools off. Bring extra clothes for when you stop and if you're really smart a hot thermos of tea or hot chocolate will make you really cosy.

Penticton showing the future for British Columbia active travel. #bcpoli

Very good news, indeed!

"Designed in consultation with the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, the colourful and informative signs are intended to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of the various facets of the park and watershed. The project was funded in part by a grant from Trans Canada Trail to enhance the local section of The Great Trail." The Great Trail Hoy - Scott Watershed Society #salmon #salmonviewing #salmonrecovery #transcanadatrail #tct #thegreattrail #thegreatcanadianhike

Greenway Trails for All!

Thanks to the The Trail of the Okanagans Society for sharing this news piece with us. #alltrailsconnect #railstotrails

*SURVEY* DUE OCTOBER 30 Parks Canada is doing some great things getting people out of vehicles and onto trails and greenway trails. There is new work that's been done on the Pacific Rim trail and lots of people talk about the success of the path between Canmore and Banff in the national park there. We support parking motor vehicles and encouraging people into nature on their own power. Even better, mass transit to trails and parks from our urban centres should be part of ...the equation like what Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) promotes in the greater Van region. Thanks to the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC for sharing this link with us. The Great Trail British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) HUB CyclingBetter CPAWS-BC

When we are talking greenway trails for all, we can look to Penticton and Area Cycling Association for leading the charge in their region. Showing British Columbia what active travel and getting around safely and efficiently is all about. Vélo Canada Bikes Cycling BC British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) HUB Cycling #greenwaytrailsforall #activetravel

This is the week dedicated to bats! Guess because it's leading up to Halloween? Support Bats everyday we say, meanwhile it's BAT Week!

West Kelowna residents call for a continuously connected waterfront from the Bennett Bridge to Peachland - completely in line with Trail of the Okanagans objective! https://www.castanet.net//Community-report-states-West-Kel

Today is the day to vote. To see how the various parties answered 3 questions about the future of rail trail that have large sections of unresolved designation status of The Great Trail in the Province, check out the pdfs at the bottom of this webpage link. RSTBC has said that in order to properly maintain trails in BC they need a budget of $4M annually for operational costs. They are signficantly understaffed and underresourced - no matter what happens election wise more funding and more positive policy for active travel needs to be implemented throughout the Province for safety and well-maintained trails for active users. BC NDP BC Liberal Party BC Green Party #covidtrails #railstotrails #railtrail #greenwaysforall #greenwaysforever #thegreattrail #TransCanadaTrail

Let your candidates know that The Great Trail rail trails in British Columbia were all meant to be non-motorized trails and the province must invest in them. Thank you HUB Cycling for creating this easy way to write... This will be included in your letter template. "Invest in province-wide active infrastructure building efforts to encourage more eco-friendly tourism within our province. The province must commit to building excellent bicycle infrastructure between regional... destinations for people of all abilities to safely cycle long distances. Cycle highways are necessary to accommodate future trends such as electric-assist bikes that better facilitate long-distance trips, and MoTI must commit to making long-distance bicycle travel feasible. Cycle highways should also be used to encourage eco-friendly tourism by connecting communities with the rich cultural heritage of peoples of First Nations and other often racialized communities across the province. Cycle highways exist in many places around the world including Germany, Denmark, France and the UK, as well as locally, like the Lochside and Galloping Goose trails near Victoria, BC. Preliminary research has shown that cycle highways are effective in attracting people cycling and have a positive return on investment." See more

Why your selection of clothing is something to consider when the weather changes!

Vote for our future to include Greenway Trails for All! The Great Trail Vélo Canada Bikes British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) HUB Cycling Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition - GVCC Cycle 16 West Kootenay Cycling Coalition Canada Keep Exploring Canada Walks Canadian Health and Fitness Institute Penticton and Area Cycling Association Shuswap Trails Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC Sea To Sky Trail Friends of the Columbia and Western Trail Castlegar Mountain Bike Outdoor ...Recreation Council of BC Society(Castlegar Parks & Trails Society) Chief Isadore Trail Columbia Valley Cycling Society (CVCS) #activetransportation #greenwaysforever #greenwaytrailsforall #greenwaysforall #alltrailsconnect # # #active

The weather is turning. Be prepared!

The Great Canadian Hike is a national challenge to embrace trails in a physically distant world! We’re calling on Canadians to collectively hike The Great Trail of Canada’s 27,000 kms in 31 days. Go to https://greatcanadianhike.ca/ From humble strolls to epic adventures, October 1 to 31 is your chance to hike, walk, jog, cycle, paddle and experience The Great Trail as a participant in the Great Canadian Hike. People of all ages and abilities are invited to step out and enjoy Canada’s natural wonders with us, in a safe and responsible way. Hopefully according to the Trans Canada Trail people, this might be an annual thing. Use the hashtag #greatcanadianhike and tag @TheGreatTrail on your Instagram or Facebook posts