Equestrians in Burnaby, BC are up in arms over the city’s plan to pave over a well-worn horseback riding trail for cyclists to use. According to a story posted to the CBC’s website, the town’s city council approved a plan to pave trails that run on the south side of Burnaby Lake Regional Park. The Burnaby Horsemen’s Association, which has been operating a stable on the lakeshore since 1971 and which currently houses 59 horses, is protesting the move despite the council vote.
“I was pretty upset about [the plan to pave the trail],” Vicky Gilker, a horse owner and rider says in the video clip. “It takes away where we can ride safely and makes [the trail] more of a commuter path for cyclists.” Global News interviewed Michelle Brittain and Erika Nassichuk of the BHA; that video can be seen here.
Cyclists want the paved trail to make commuting faster and safer, but the trail has been used by riders for over 50 years, hence the conflict. The CBC story notes that bicycles weren’t even allowed on the trail until two months ago, and now they seem to be running it.