Two sets of unauthorized mountain bike trails have been discovered in Nanaimo’s Linley Valley Park, prompting the city to call on the builders to stop construction.
Al Britton, manager of parks operations for the city, said unauthorized structures have been built in one of the areas.
“It’s not OK to build unauthorized trails in any city park,” he said. “Linley Valley Park is a natural green space in the heart of our city and is intended to be enjoyed and conserved as such.”
Anyone who spots this activity is asked to contact the city’s bylaw services, he said.
“The city has been in touch with the established mountain bike clubs in Nanaimo who are not involved in this activity,” said a statement from the city. “It is thought that this activity is being undertaken by an individual or a small group of people unattached to established clubs.”
Unauthorized trail construction can harm the environment by eroding soil, impacting water flow and quality and reducing the stability of slopes, the city said. Trails can disrupt wildlife as well as harm sensitive plant ecosystems.
These trails can also pose a danger to parks users and raise liability issues, Nanaimo said.
Much of Linley Valley Park is designated as an environmentally sensitive area. It is used by the community for walking, running, rock climbing, walking dogs and mountain bike riding, which is permitted on existing trails.
Nanaimo has an approved mountain biking system at Westwood Lake and the city is working with mountain bikers on new trails in former water district lands, Britton said.
The matter of non-authorized mountain bike trails is not new to Nanaimo or other Vancouver Island parks.
The Capital Regional District is taking out unauthorized mountain bike trails and structures in Mount Work Regional Park in Highlands.
Mountain bikers in the capital region are calling for more trails for their sport.
Advocates are keen to see more facilities in place to support a sport that they say brings an economic benefit through special events and local businesses dedicated to sales and service.
