After spending last winter poring over maps and research materials, members of the Whistler Cycling Committee are hosting two public open house meetings to present the first draft of their plan.
The committee, which was appointed last fall to guide the future of bicycles in the valley as both a means of transportation and a source of recreation, includes representatives from the municipality, community and business groups, as well as other interested stakeholders.
Their mandate is to work within the Parks and Recreation Masterplan, Whistler Environmental Strategy, Whistler Comprehensive Transportation Strategy and Whistler 2002 to:
• Co-ordinate a Cycling Network Plan for inclusion into the Official Community Plan. Some of the ideas discussed include wider bike lanes on the highway, extensions to the valley trail system, and municipal bike lockers and change rooms in the village to encourage bicycle commuting.
• Create a recreational cycling vision and policies that support and enhance Whistler’s position as one of the "Top Bike Towns in North America."
Some of the ideas discussed include working with stakeholders to ensure that Whistler trails are properly marked, rated, and maintained so that riders from out of town can find and enjoy local trails, and making information and trails more easily accessible to mountain bike tourists.
The final plan is expected to take three years to complete. Implementation will take place both during and after the planning process.
The first public open house will take place on June 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Village Square. The second will take place on June 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Millennium Place foyer.
