Ask Your Local Politicians: Do You Support Mountain Biking?

The Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium has worked with the Municipal and Regional governments of the Cariboo since 2010. Many of the political leaders who represent the communities of 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Quesnel and Wells as well as members of the Cariboo Regional District Board have provided direct support to the mountain bike sector either through the Consortium or local bike clubs. A number of these leaders also sit on the Board of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition, who has been a primary supporter of the Consortium effort. The mountain bike community salutes these leaders who have recognized the value of mountain biking to the Cariboo.

Mountain biking is part of the economy of the Cariboo. Since 2010 trail use in the Cariboo area has increased by over 57%. The economic impact of riders coming from outside of the Cariboo region has helped to increase the overall impact of mountain biking by over 42% since 2010. The efforts of the Consortium and local bike clubs to promote the Cariboo as a mountain bike destination help to support a range of service businesses as well as increase the livability of the region which helps attract skilled professionals to the area. 

Next month, municipal elections will be held throughout the Province. The Consortium is currently seeking permanent support from the local leaders and bike clubs are continuously seeking support from local governments. As a mountain biker, you can help the Consortium and local clubs by making sure people running for office are aware of the contributions that mountain biking makes to the economy of the region and ask them how they will support mountain biking. Here are a few questions to ask local politicians this fall:

1. How will you support mountain biking if elected to office?

2. How do you see mountain biking supporting economic diversification in the region?

3. Do you support permanent funding and support for mountain biking in the Cariboo? 

The most important element of elections is participation. Whether you want mountain biking supported by local politicians or not, we encourage you all to get involved and vote on November 15th. 

Ride On!