Accessible Mountain Biking for All
The mountain biking community in Squamish has taken a significant step towards inclusivity with the recent addition of the South Coaster Adaptive Trail to Alice Lake Provincial Park. This one-kilometre beginner-friendly trail is specifically designed to support adaptive mountain bike users, providing a wide and smooth terrain for riders with disabilities to enjoy.
The Birth of a Trail
The South Coaster Adaptive Trail was officially opened on April 15 and was met with excitement from mountain bike riders and adaptive sports enthusiasts alike. The trail was made possible through a $180,000 investment from the Government of B.C., in partnership with the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA).
- Sierra McCann, President of the Squamish Adaptive Mountain Biking Association, praised the effort.
- The trail filled a gap in the adaptive trail network for beginner riders.
- The investment was a collaborative effort between the Government of B.C. and SORCA.
Design and Accessibility
The South Coaster Adaptive Trail is designed to accommodate a wide range of adaptive mountain bikes, including two-wheeled bikes, three-wheeled bikes, e-assist, hand-cycles, and bucket seats. The trail features a wide and smooth terrain, making it an ideal spot for beginners to start their mountain biking journey.
“We had a lot of adaptive riders, some from the island and some from Squamish, that came to ride the trail for the first time. It was a really fun day of people getting to see the adaptive bikes on the trail, meet some of the local riders, and then also, kind of meet the team at BC Parks who had worked on making it happen.” – Sierra McCann
A New Trail for Inclusive Mountain Biking
The South Coaster Adaptive Trail is part of a nine-kilometre adaptive trail loop that also includes the Cardrona, Miki’s Magic, and Rob’s and Cliff’s Corners trails. This loop provides a unique opportunity for riders of all abilities to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Alice Lake Provincial Park.
| Trail Name | Description |
|---|---|
| South Coaster Adaptive Trail | One-kilometre beginner-friendly trail for adaptive mountain bikes. |
| Cardrona Trail | Accessible trail for mountain bikes, providing a fun and challenging ride. |
| Miki’s Magic Trail | Smooth and flowing trail for riders of all levels. |
| Rob’s and Cliff’s Corners Trail | Technical trail for experienced riders, featuring obstacles and challenging terrain. |
The Importance of Adaptive Mountain Biking
Adaptive mountain biking is a growing sport that is gaining momentum worldwide. The term “adaptive mountain biking” is very broad and describes anyone who needs a modification to a bike to be able to get outside and ride. This can include riders with physical disabilities, visual impairments, or other conditions that require a customized bike. Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society
The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is an all-year-round organization that offers recreation programs along the Sea to Sky Corridor—in Pemberton, Whistler, and Squamish—to individuals with any type of disability. Communications lead and adaptive sports coach, Jennifer Brown, praised the new trail, saying it is “such an asset” to have in Squamish.
| Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society | All-year-round organization offering recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. |
Conclusion
The South Coaster Adaptive Trail is a significant addition to the mountain biking community in Squamish, providing a unique opportunity for riders with disabilities to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Alice Lake Provincial Park. Everybody is Welcome
The South Coaster Adaptive Trail is a testament to the inclusive spirit of mountain biking, demonstrating that “everybody is welcome” to enjoy the sport. As Jennifer Brown said, “Going now to Alice Lake means that you can take your adaptive mountain bike and have a really good day out there.
