Cycling

Cycling is a popular activity with residents and visitors on Gabriola, both on- and off-road, and you’re likely to encounter both human-powered bikes and e-bikes if you’re out on public lands. This page gives some basic info on what to expect and some suggestions for extended cycling trail rides.

On Gabriola trail maintenance is limited. Even the easiest, widest trails can be uneven and have ruts, roots, rocks and giant mud puddles.

Cycling is not permitted in Elder Cedar or Coats Marsh. Most public parks allow cyclists, but read entrance signs to be sure.

All trails open to cyclists are multi-use trails. Be considerate of other users — follow trail etiquette and be prepared to share the trail and yield to walkers and horse riders.

Be cautious riding on roads, wear colourful or reflective clothing and only ride single file. Most roads on Gabriola have blind spots and narrow shoulders (or none). Some are paved, some gravel, and all are likely to have potholes.

Some places on Gabriola do not have cell coverage. If you are relying on digital maps ensure that your device can operate on GPS only.

If you are using GaLTT’s printed trail map, be aware that not all trails are shown. Some lead to private property or develop through wildlife use. Small trails come and go. Crown lands north of North Rd and west of Elder Cedar are particularly confusing.

Policies on e-bikes depend on what you are riding and where you are riding it.

• Provincial regulations require the use of a helmet and that the rider must be at least 16 years old and follow bicycle safety rules. Click here to read our provincial e-bikes rules and requirements: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/e-bike-rules-of-the-road
• RDN Parks “Electric bikes are not considered vehicles and are permitted in RDN Parks and Trails.” Bylaw 1801 states that cyclists must only ride on trails and may not ride in such a way as to disturb natural park features.
• BC Parks policy has different rules for different classes of e-bikes. https://bcparks.ca/plan-your-trip/things-to-do/cycling/#page-section-248

Here’s a set of curated sample routes for riding on Gabriola that one of our past board members put together using the Ride With GPS app.

All are rideable with a mountain bike, but some can also be ridden on a gravel bike.

Click here or the graphic to visit Tom’s cycling routes on the Ride With GPS site.

Currently there are about 8 routes:

• Gabriola Gravel Longer Intermediate
• Easy Gabe MTB/Gravel
• Intermediate North End MTB
• Easier Shorter Gravel
• Easy Gabriola MTB or Gravel
• Intermediate Gabriola Gravel #2
• Gabriola Intermediate Gravel
• Gravel Ride Through 707