ATVers, walkers work together on Bathurst trails

Instead of fighting over use, the ATV and walking communities in Bathurst are working together to cut new trails, and pool resources.

In the past two years, Samuel Daigleand a team of volunteers have been revamping the Bathurst trail system, connecting existing routes from the NB Trails initiative, and cutting new throughways. He's seen a spike in walkers, joggers, and cyclists, and few have complained about ATVs on the trails.

"We've been seeing lots of improvement in that sense," said Daigle.

"This year we've actually been sitting down around the same table, the group of non-motorized, ski-dooandATVssitting around the same table to plan our routes, coordinate where should everybody go."

The conversations have evolved into plans to build bridges, one crossing the Tetagouche River near the Atlantic Host Hotel, a popular rest stop for ATVers and snowmobilers.

"There'sgonnabe a few projects that will be common corridorswith good signs, goodsignageto make everything safer. So everybody can have their fun, have their trails," said Daigle.

Safer alternative to roads

Daigle's group, Sentiers Verts Chaleur Green Trails, is working specifically with the New Brunswick ATV Federation in the Chaleur Region to improve safety and sometimes, that means limiting access to ATVs.

"We've seen a lot lessATVerson non-motorized trails," said Daigle.

"I think for two reasons: there's better understanding of the need for that in our region and also people are using it so much now that it discouragesATVersfrom going in."

For the ATV federation, improved access across waterways and roads means ATVers won't be tempted to use walking trails - they will have plenty of routes to ride.

"We build the trails, we make them safe," said Jacques Ouellette, the development coordinator for the federation, who works closely with Daigle

"And we never stop [walkers and cyclists] from using our trails. We invite them to do it at no cost. Allowing us to have more multi-use trails would be to their advantage, too."

Ouellette and his fellow ATV enthusiasts are working on a project that would see a bridge constructed across a shallow stretch of the TetagoucheRiver.

The construction will be mostly paid for by the ATV Federation, with materials from the non-motorised trail committee. The bridge will also be used by snowmobile clubs in the winter.

"They have to cross here in winter time, so this means that their season is shortened by easily three weeks and in some winters more than that," said Ouellette.

"Instead of paying the cost of $30,000for one group, everyone puts in."