Equestrians in Burnaby, BC are upset over the city’s plan to pave a well-worn horseback riding trail for cyclists. The Burnaby Horsemen’s Association, which has been operating a stable on the lakeshore since 1971, is protesting the move despite city council approval. Cyclists want the paved trail for faster and safer commuting, but the conflict arises as the trail has been used by riders for over 50 years.
The city council sees the paved bicycle path as central to their plan to work into Vancouver’s Regional Greenways Plan, aiming to encourage green transportation methods. However, riders are concerned about the safety of horses on pavement, as it can be treacherous and cause injuries. The riders estimate the paving plan will reduce their riding area by over 50%, leading to a limited network of trails for them to use.
The Burnaby Horsemen’s Association is still hoping to find an alternative solution to the paving plan that would allow both cyclists and equestrians to use the trails safely. Riders are concerned about being landlocked and losing access to their usual riding areas if the plan goes through.
