MODERNIZATION
COMMUNITY-LED CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
SMITHERS, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Around the world, sustainability initiatives are proving that communities can demand and get change without waiting for government support. Just ask the people of Smithers, British Columbia.
What's
changing
In traditionally car-centric areas, safety concerns can keep cyclists off the road and limit how viable biking can be as transportation. Some communities are collaborating to expedite and pay for construction and approval processes required to build the safe and inclusive transportation infrastructure that they want in their communities.
What's already
possible
The Cycle 16 Trail Society, a charity in Smithers, worked for years to lead the charge in developing a paved 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) trail in the Bulkley Valley that would connect Smithers to nearby Telkwa and other rural areas. The momentum started by their grassroots effort led the government of British Columbia to fully fund the remainder of their project in June, 2024.
Seizing
the opportunity
To cover construction costs estimated at 7 million Canadian dollars, the society relied on support from the community through donations or one-time membership fees. The organization is guided by a board of directors and depends on a project management team. The trail, which will be owned by the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, is not expected to have high operating costs after opening.
Standout
tactic
Due to infrastructure replacement work, the Village of Telkwa has taken responsibility for the last part of the Cycle 16 trail and is planning to extend it to connect with an existing trail along the Bulkley River. The Town of Smithers is currently working to build a connector to the trail as well.
How
it helps
The society's 1,118 members raised 2.3 million Canadian dollars, and the first paved trail section opened in late spring of 2023. In June 2024, the trail program received a government grant of CA$9.8 million to complete the remaining phases. The organization’s volunteers are still active in the community promoting healthy, safe and active transportation for all.
Diving
deeper
Do community-led projects have potential maintenance costs or unforeseen challenges after construction that could prevent upkeep without an ongoing donation plan?
Increasing
impact
One of the project's primary goals is to provide the community with a safe way to experience the outdoors. The paved trail lets everyone cross through towns and rural spaces, creating a diverse audience to participate in future citizen science projects or simply to learn about the local environment through educational installations.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
