Recreation Sites and Trails BC released its province-wide e-bike policy on April 24, and it will apply to some trails in the Sea to Sky.
The policy will allow for Class 1 e-bikes (where the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedalling and stops at a speed of 32 km/h) and motor-assisted cycles (similar to a Class 1 in its 32 km/h restriction, but has a power output that does not exceed 500 watts, and the motor must disengage when the rider stops pedalling, releases the accelerator or applies the brake) on established recreational trails for non-motorized use unless e-bikes are specifically prohibited.
Class 2 e-bikes (with a motor that can be used to propel the bicycle without pedalling up to 32 km/h) and Class 3 e-bikes (pedal-assist up to 45 km/h) are prohibited on non-motorized-use trails, but allowed on any trails that allow for motorized use. Both are considered motor vehicles.
The policy applies to several trails in and around Whistler, including Lord of the Squirrels, Lower Sproatt, Comfortably Numb and the Green Lake Loop. Check www.sitesandtrailsbc.com for a complete map.
With the Resort Municipality of Whistler set to release its own policy sometime in May, Rec Sites and Trails director John Hawkings noted many of the trails in and around the resort are on Crown land and fall under its jurisdiction.
"In terms of making decisions around trails that are within the jurisdiction of Recreation Sites and Trails, those decisions are going to be made in consultation with the local community, with WORCA," he said.
The policy leaves open the possibility for a trail to be designated as single-use, e-bike only, reading that no e-bikes are allowed on trails that prohibit bicycles unless the trail has such a designation. Hawkings noted that to his knowledge, no trails currently have such a designation and there are no explicit plans to create trails that are e-bike only unless a community pushes for it.
Adaptive mountain bikes are exempt from restrictions provided that the bikes: have three or four wheels; have hand cranks to propel the bike without electric power; have a maximum nominal power wattage of 800 or fewer watts. The bike may have pedal assist or direct throttle power.
District recreation officers will enforce the policy, and Hawkings noted that Rec Sites and Trails will monitor the policy's effectiveness through 2021, at which point the department will reassess it.
"We're going to stay in constant contact with community groups, organizations and stakeholders to determine if the policy is working for them. We're also going to have to stay in touch with the e-bike sector. Obviously, this is a new activity and the industry itself is emerging," he said. "As e-bike technology changes and use patterns change, we're going to have to keep an eye on that and see if the policy remains effective and meets user needs."
The full policy is available online at tiny.cc/hbd15y.
Barelli, Lanthier Nadeau tops at Pemberton Enduro
Strong riders came out to represent in the pro categories at the Pemberton Enduro on April 27, but ultimately, Enduro World Series regulars Yoann Barelli and Andreane Lanthier Nadeau came away with the victories.
Barelli won all four stages to take the men's category over Bryan Gregory and Davis English while Lanthier Nadeau won the first two rounds and held on to defeat Laura Battista by 17 seconds. Christina Chappetta, meanwhile, took third.
Kate Whitley dominated the open women's category, finishing well over a minute ahead of challengers Marissa Szajcz and Emilie de Crombrugghe. In the open men's division, Joshua Paul held off Mahon Lamont and Calum Wilson.
As for the masters, Matt Ryan bested Cesar Gairin and Kevin Phelps in the men's category while Bree Thorlakson was the lone representative in the women's race. Lastly, in a hotly contested junior race, Emmett Hancock topped Milton McConville and Jonathan Helly.
Full results are online at www.spruceracetiming.com.
Warm's Oil Kings fall in Eastern Conference final
For the second consecutive year, one of the Warm twins appeared in a Western Hockey League (WHL) conference final, but it was the same story once again.
A year after Whistler goaltender Beck Warm helped the Tri-City Americans as far as the Western Conference championship series, brother Will led the Edmonton Oil Kings to the Eastern Conference final. However, Edmonton fell in six games to the Prince Albert Raiders, who won a league-leading 54 games in the regular season.
The loss prevented Warm from playing for a title close to home, as the Vancouver Giants won the Western Conference final over the Spokane Chiefs.
Warm received some good news on May 1, as he received the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy as the WHL's humanitarian of the year at the league's year-end awards ceremony in Red Deer, Alta. He was previously named the Eastern Conference's humanitarian of the year.
Welsh playing for Doyle Cup
Another Whistler puckster, Nolan Welsh, has earned one title this season and is looking for another.
Welsh and the Prince George Spruce Kings topped the Jr. 'A' British Columbia Hockey League this season, losing just one playoff game in the process. The Spruce Kings defeated Coquitlam in five games in the opening round before sweeping Chilliwack, Victoria and Vernon in the minimum four games.
After scoring five goals and 15 assists in 43 regular season contests, Welsh broke out in the playoffs, scoring four goals and 12 assists in 17 playoffs games.
Prince George is now representing B.C. in the Doyle Cup series against Alberta Junior Hockey League's Brooks Bandits, trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven contest. The Doyle Cup is a formality, however, as both teams have qualified for the RBC Cup national championship tournament given that Brooks is serving as the host.
Axemen off to championship game
The Axemen Rugby Club continued to roll through the BC Rugby Union Division 3 campaign at Howe Sound Secondary School on April 27.
The Axemen dominated visiting Chilliwack 57-0 to advance to the championship game against Richmond RFC this Saturday, May 4, at Burnaby Lake Rugby Club. Kickoff is at 11:30 a.m.
