Douglas First Nation proposes to design and construct a network of safe and accessible mountain biking and walking trails within our community. At present, community members—especially children and youth— face significant safety risks when cycling or walking, as they must often ride or walk on active logging roads that surround the community. These roads are heavily used by industrial trucks and other large vehicles, creating unsafe conditions with high speeds, poor visibility, and no space for cyclists/ pedestrians. This reality discourages physical activity and increases the risk of injury for vulnerable road users. Our project directly responds to these safety challenges by creating dedicated cycling/ pedestrian infrastructure that separates cyclists/ pedestrians from vehicle traffic.

The goal of this project is to reduce cyclist/pedestrian exposure to dangerous vehicle routes while encouraging safe, healthy, and culturally meaningful outdoor activity. Specific activities will include: trail planning, mapping and design; engagement with Elders, youth and families to ensure the trails meet community needs; construction of safe, well-marked mountain biking/walking trails; installation of signage, barriers and safety markers; and evaluation of impact through counts, surveys, and Indigenous evaluation methods.

By creating a safe alternative to cycling on logging roads, the project will improve road safety, promote physical and mental wellness, and strengthen connections to land and culture. This initiative is fully aligned with Vision Zero principles of safe roads, safe users, and safe environments, and represents a proactive, Indigenous-led approach to preventing injuries and improving equity in rural road safe

Photo source: Adobestock. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.