Cycle 16 Trail
The idea of a commuter trail connecting the Town of Smithers and the Village of Telkwa has long been envisioned and championed by the Cycle 16 Trail Society. In 2020, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) partnered with the Society to realize the development of the 12-kilometre trail.
Design and construction of the trail is divided into three phases. Phase 1 was constructed in 2022-2023 and was opened for public use in 2023. Since the opening of Phase 1, pedestrian and cyclist counts indicate significant use. Construction of phases 2 and 3 is anticipated to occur in 2025-2026.
The trail is paved, three metres in width and located within the Highway 16 right-of-way. It is open to all non-motorized users, including cyclists, rollerbladers, walkers & runners.
Provincial funding
On June 18, 2024, the Province announced $85 million in funding for active transportation projects on Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure owned right of ways through the Active Transportation Capital Fund. The Cycle 16 trail is one of eleven selected active transportation projects in the province.
In the announcement, the Province noted that funding will be provided to complete the Cycle 16 multi-use pathway. The Regional District looks forward to construction of phases 2 and 3.
Phases
Phase 1: Smithers Bridge to Laidlaw Rd, 3.7 kilometers. Constructed in 2022-2023.
Phase 2: Laidlaw Frontage Rd near the intersection of Babine Lake Rd to the highway rest area between Donaldson Road and Raymond Road, 3.6 kilometres. This phase will include an underpass to cross Highway 16.
Phase 3: Highway rest area to the Village of Telkwa municipal boundary and runs 3.2 kilometres along the northern side of the highway.
Connecting Trails
The Cycle 16 trail is planned to connect with trails in the adjoining municipalities of Smithers and Telkwa.
Construction of the Town of Smithers Connector Trail started in the summer of 2024 and once complete, will run from the Bulkley River Bridge on Highway 16, down Tatlow Road, and connect to a multi-use path along Fulton Avenue.
The Village of Telkwa is planning to extend the Cycle 16 trail to connect with an existing trail along the Bulkley River.
Trail Ownership and Maintenance
The trail is located on Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) road right of way secured by the RDBN under License of Occupation (LoO) with MoTI.
The RDBN has responsibility for ownership, operation and maintenance of the trail as a local service funded by the Town of Smithers and Electoral Area A (Smithers Telkwa Rural) residents.
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Visit the Cycle 16 Trail Society web page at:
Cycle 16 Trail Society | Bulkley Valley Cycling Trail Society – Smithers to Telkwa
If you have questions, comments, or concerns about this project, please contact the Regional District Planning Department at planning@rdbn.bc.ca , or call 250-692-3195.
Photo Gallery
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Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase 1
June 2022
Grand Opening of Phase 1
June 2023
