Abstract Manager

The Cycle 16 trail, a 3 m wide multi-use pathway along Highway 16 between Smithers and Telkwa in Northern BC, is part of a 15km project over five phases, coordinated by three local governments. Conceived in the early 2000s, its goal is to offer a safe, accessible transportation alternative, fostering active lifestyles and boosting tourism. The Cycle 16 Trail Society, a non-profit established in the mid-2010s, plays a pivotal role, having secured an memorandum of understanding with the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (RDBN) for trail ownership and operation.

Adhering to the 2019 BC MOTI Active Transportation (AT) Design Guidelines, the trail features specific standards for dimensions, grades, curves, and speeds. Phase 1, which was constructed in 2022, includes switchbacks to maintain a maximum gradient of 7.5%, a unique feature due to its location within the MoTI Right-of-Way (ROW), also requiring compliance with the BC Supplement to TAC Design guidelines, including clear zone requirements.

The trail's impact is significant, with a near 200% increase in AT use in the corridor since Phase 1's completion. It has sparked community fundraising efforts and heightened interest in AT in Northern BC, leading to further infrastructure development, including the remaining phases of the Cycle 16 project.

The RDBN established a Parks and Trails Service, helping to fund the trails development and maintenance, and supporting future phases. This department enhances the RDBN's capacity to manage transportation and recreational infrastructure, strengthening AT networks in the region.

The Cycle 16 Trail Society's collaboration with various stakeholders, including WSP as the project manager and engineering consultant, demonstrates a successful model of non-profit and community involvement in infrastructure projects. The Society's engagement with property owners and over 1,000 active members has been crucial for community support and fundraising. The RDBN, responsible for trail ownership and operation, pursues grants and permits, showcasing how non-profit organizations and local governments can collaborate effectively on AT projects.

The Cycle 16 project sets a precedent for infrastructure projects across Northern BC and beyond. The model that the Cycle 16 project has created is now being used by the RDBN to create important active transportation infrastructure in the Region.