Bright Future on Cypress!

Rodgers Creek Development Secures the Future of Cypress Trails

Words by Sharon Bader and Alan Bardsley.

Mountain bikers have been riding the trails on Cypress Mountain for the last 20 years. Over that time trails have been built without permission on private land as well as District of West Vancouver land. Because of this mountain biking has never been sanctioned in West Vancouver.

Thanks to cooperation between British Pacific Properties and the District of West Vancouver on the Rodgers Creek development. Recreational trails have been integrated into the current planning process, thanks in no small part to the impressive turn out of well informed and well behaved mountain bikers at the June 2007 open house. The planning has culminated in the Phased Development Agreement supported by Council.


Two provisions are most relevant to mountain bikers. First, the bottom of Sex Boy which will be impacted by development will be protected for as long as possible or until a reroute can be established. Second, BPP has committed to participating in a District-led process to identify locations for permanent mountain bike trails. That's right. Permanent trails!

This is a fantastic step forward for the trails. Both BPP and the District are to be thanked and congratulated for their recognition of the value of existing recreational activities on Cypress. But as great as this news is, it doesn't means that we're out of the woods, or in the woods, for that matter.




Unfortunately, the new Chippendale Connector will run right through Family Guy. Completing the Connector is essential to move heavy truck traffic away from residential areas and will be a priority, so get out and ride Family Guy while you can. It's not going to be around long once construction starts.
"The bottom part of Sex Boy will be protected as long as possible..." Rider ~ Mike Wallace

While it is anticipated that the bottom section of Sex Boy will be relocated further west, the final location is still undecided. Ultimately, all the trails will be in the hands of West Van Parks. While Parks deserves our support, they need to understand the nature of the trails on Cypress. We don't want dumbed down, easy trails. They don't want rogue trails appearing all over the mountain. We need to work together with Parks to ensure that the current trail experience is preserved with the permanent trails. That way there will be no need for unauthorized or ad hoc trails. The right solution will work to the benefit of both parties.
It looks like Family Guy's days are numbered. Rider Richard Belson

The next opportunity for the voices of mountain bikers to be heard will the Public Hearing <Info about that meeting here> on July 28th at 7:00pm in the West Vancouver Council Chambers on the proposed Rodgers Creek Bylaws. The West Van Council Chambers don't have room for as large a crowd as North Van's and we don't want to overwhelm them, but we do want to show support for this plan and what it promises for the trails. Especially if you are a West Van resident of business person, please come out and make your presence known.

Good news? It sounds like it is for the most part. What's your take?