BC Cycling Coalition motion re. Vancouver Island Rails to Trails

RDN – E&N Trail

2014-01-17

The BCCC Board approves and fully supports that:

1.       The completion of a trail along the E&N line from Victoria to Courtenay is critical for creating a cycling touring network in British Colombia that will be a global draw and provide benefits to local economies and retail businesses of the degree enjoyed by extensive networks, such as La Route Verte in the Province of Québec.

And further;

a.       This trail must be completed, paved, and with amenities and quality designs which will attract people of all ages and of all levels of cycling skills, cycling confidence, and cycling enthusiasm.

b.      This trail must be extended to Port Alberni and Tofino in the west and to Port Hardy with connections to all ferry terminals along the way

c.       This trail shall not be used by electric bicycles (mopeds), ATVs or other motorized vehicles, excluding electric-assist bicycles.

2.       The BCCC shall take a lead position in developing and aggressively leading a campaign to garner provincial and federal support and financing for completion of the trail and its extensions.

a.       The BCCC shall build and actively lead a consortium of cycling advocacy organizations along the trail, cycling and non-cycling organizations, governments, business, and others for this campaign.

b.      The BCCC shall endeavour to raise sufficient funding for this campaign, including funding for the lead campaign manager, lobbyist, and media manager.

3.       In the eventuality that the rails may be used for passenger service in the future, the BCCC shall require that any member of its consortium commit its full support to:

a.       All trains must include at least one bike car with bicycle carrying capacity for bicycles similar or greater than the GO Train bike cars on the summer Niagara Peninsula wine country route.

b.      Such bike cars must be able to accommodate touring bicycles fully laden, tricycles, and tandem bicycles.

c.       Loading and unloading of bicycles must be effortless and not entail any lifting of bicycles.  Bike racks on board must meet the same requirement.

d.      The bike cars can be used by people from 4 years old into their 80’s or 90’s.

e.      Bike cars can accommodate recharging of batteries for electrical-assisted bicycles.