In British Columbia, a vast network of resource roads—approximately 719,000 kilometers in total—provides essential access to remote areas for industries such as forestry, mining, oil and gas, and agriculture. (env.gov.bc.ca) These roads also serve as gateways to numerous recreational destinations, including trails, lakes, rivers, cabins, and campsites. However, many of these routes were originally constructed for industrial purposes and may not be maintained with recreational access in mind.
Recognizing the importance of these roads for outdoor activities, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC), in collaboration with provincial recreation partners, has initiated the BC Resource Road Access Survey. This survey aims to gather feedback on roads that are heavily used, at risk of closure or deactivation, or already closed or difficult to access. The information collected will inform future access planning across the province. (e-know.ca)
The survey is open until July 2027, allowing ORCBC to collect reports across the full spectrum of outdoor recreation users and seasons. This is a valuable opportunity for the bikepacking community to voice their appreciation for these roads. Access the survey here. (e-know.ca)
For more information on resource road safety and regulations, visit the Province of British Columbia’s resource road safety page. (www2.gov.bc.ca)
By participating in the survey, you contribute to the preservation and improvement of access to these vital routes, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the diverse recreational opportunities that British Columbia’s backcountry has to offer.