PORT McNEILL – Cyclists would like a place to ride and hone their skills, and have picked a spot they hope town council will approve for bicycle recreation.

“Port McNeill’s recreational facilities have traditionally catered to team sports like hockey, soccer and baseball,” said Derek Koel of the North Island Trail Riders Organization (NITRO) in a proposal to council Oct. 19.

“Statistics show participation in team sports is on the decline, while participation in individual sports like mountain biking, BMX and skateboarding are on the rise,” Koel added. “Port McNeill does not have any facilities for this growing segment of the population. We propose to change this at little or no cost to the Town of Port McNeill.”

The group would like to build a recreation area for bikes on Pioneer Hill, with a berm, jumps and a free ride area on empty lots behind Black Bear Resort.

“We propose dirt and simple wood structures on the land that would be easily removed, moved or demolished if demand for residential housing occurs in the future,” wrote Koel. “The existing A-I Rural Zoning permits recreational uses and structures.”

During a presentation to council Koel said the group, the only cycling club on the North Island with about 20 members, has some funds for the project and promises of material and equipment donations. The group would do the labour themselves, Koel added, but needs permission from the town to use the land and access to water.

“... water is a must for forming and maintaining jumps and track conditions,” said Koel. “Underground water lines are readily available in the area.”

The group hopes to have the facility ready for use in Spring 2010.

“By having an official area where kids and adults can build jumps and features, creates a safer riding environment by having jumps and features that the riders can lean on and then move on to larger challenges,” said Koel. “The alternative is illegal jumps and features that are often poorly built or too challenging in the outlying areas of Town.”

While council did not make a decision on the project, they did confirm insurance coverage and encouraged Koel to get feedback from residents in the area, including Black Bear Resort.