Across Canada Trails - 1 page Overview of project
The Across Canada Trails project is an effort proposed by Sam Vekemans of Victoria, BC to define a designated Route Across Canada for each type of recreation.
Land Route
National Cycle Network, S-mile 0 route, Across Canada Paved biking route, Trekking Bike Route; Hiking; horse riding; Motercycle; Driving
Water with land connections; Canoing; kayaking; rafting
Snow - skating; - snowmobile- snowshoes; dogsled
In order to define a 'route' for each of these activities, as national network of routes need to be in place.
Proposed National Cycle Network
We start off with a "National Cycle Network" where its defined as a designated cycling route which follows cycleways/lanes/highway shoulders and back roads of it as the paved surface. Since one does not exist, we can propose one, where local area mappers who know of better routing for each segment is free to re-route this propsed route to better follow what is 'most recommended' as the way togo.
The proposed National Cycle Network is made up of connecting 'nodes' and 'ways'. The 'nodes' are the point of intersection between alternate routes. Were a cycle network user must deside which route to take. Ideally, there is a limited numer of 'end-points' so then cyclists are given the most opotunity to cycle the entire network, without back-tracking.
These routes will be listed on OpenCycleMap as a 'state=proposed' and 'route=bicycle' and 'network=ncn'
As connecting routes from Major city to major city are defined, these become 'segments', where a proposed route can be made as the 'most recommended' route.
So far, the main 'network nodes', where choices need to me made are
Pacific Rim National Park Visitors center
Parksville
Nanaimo
Victoria
Vancouver
North Vancouver
Hope
Merrit
Princeton
Penticton
Kelowna
Kootenay Lake
cranbrook
Lethbridge
Medicine Hat
Calgary
Lake Louise
Jasper
Edmonton
Saskatoon
Winnipeg
Kenora
Thunderbay
Wawa
Tobermory
Toronto
Kington
Ottawa
Montreal
Quebec
Halifax
... ... etc
Fredricton
North Sidney
Fortunatly there are airports at each major intersection,
Proposed Regional Cycle Network
For those regions which are widely used, and there are multiple options, a regional cycle network is needed, as it would make the National cycle network more complex than needed.
A regional cycle network is defined as a route which has bicycles permitted (preference being designated) from all parts.
And MUST connect to the National Cycle Network at at least 1 network 'node'
An example of regions in Canada are;
Capital Regional District
Greater Vancouver Area
Okanagan Region
Calgary Area
Winipeg Area
Greater Toronto Area
Niagara Region
Ottawa region
Montreal area
Quebec area
Canadian Greenways
There are already some recreational trails which are called 'greenway' these a not cycling specifac, but bikes are permitted in parts.
For those segments that are not 'cyclable' the recommended practice is to list the 'on-road' connections as 'proposed' and have that as part of the RCN instead of the one that exists.
For example, in Rattray Marsh in Mississauga, there is the Waterfront Trail, but just hiking is permitted. However, there is an alternate biking route which is posted, so the 'rcn' gets listed there. and the walking portion can be listed as a route=greenway where it carries the same name.
Trans Canada Trail
There is currently an inniciative in place to make a 'national greenway', the current method is to list this as a 'route=greenway'. Because it is multi-use and multi-surface, listing it as 'route=ncn' would not be an accurate description of what this greenway is about. Also the 'official routing' is available for purchaise from the tctrail.ca website.
Therefore, listing this route as a National Cycle Network on OpenCycleMap.org could (and will) prove to cause conflict as the books & what is physically listed on the ground is different. And there is reason for the Trans Canada Trail Foundation to be concerned about potential liability. If the TCT is listed as a national route and is not 'official', there is a serious concern that the trail users would be mis-guided, and follow the in correct route.
TCT Greenway Network - Regional & Local Segments
The Trans Canada Trail is made up of regional & local recreational trail segmens, which cover a wide variety of uses.
For those segments which bicycles are permitted, these can be listed as an 'rcn' with its local name listed.
route=rcn; sac_scale=mtb;
And for those segments which are not suitable for bicycles, if it is 'hiking only' it could be listed as
'route=rhn' 'bicycle=no' foot=designated' ; 'sac_scale=hiking'
For the segments that are bicycle designated or 'bike-friendly's a RCN'... Although these surfaces are not always paved, these can still be part of the Regional cycling network,
For some segments, multiple uses are permitted, because a map can be rendered which lists the aquesterian routes, if the trail is suitable for horses, the tag highway=bridleway is used, along with horse=designated (if that is true)
"Cycling"
The Trans Canada Trail uses the term 'cycling' very loosely. It is not clear as to if 'cycling' means Mountain Bike, Trekking Bike, Hybred Bike, Touring Bike, Racing Bike.
Each of these types of bicycles have different surface requirements & differernt routing requirements. The 'Mountain Bike' is more suitable for dirt surfaces, and the use is not expected to be carring a load of gear, like a 'trekking bike' does. The tires are designed to handle ruff conditions which are suitable for that recreation. A paved surface is not ideal for this type of recreation as riding too much on a paved surface of a mountain bike would 'bald out' the tires.
Where as a touring bike is designed for road paved surfaces and perfeers less sharp turns. If the gravel is hard enough packed, then it could be suitable for this use. But not a dirt surface.
Because the Trans Canada Trail does not recognize this difference, it simply lists 'cycling' as an activity that is permitted on the trail.
Across Canada Trails
Therefore, The 'Across Canada Trails - Proposed Trekking route' (see below) is the route which most closely follows the greenway route of the Trans Canada Trail, and the 'Proposed Paved route' follows some sections for the similar 'general routing', but is specifically designed for use type, rather than a 'multi-use trail which is linear in structure".
Canadian Cycling Association
The route which is known as the 'Tour du Canada', and used by the Canadian Cycling Team, is designed specifically for 'Racing Bikes'. Where there is a backup vehicle, and usually it is a large groups of cyclists doing this route, The route itself is available for purchaise. This route is NOT to be listed on OpenCycleMap, as this route is a packaged route which is specifically designed for Racing Bikes, where the main highways are taken. This route is also copyrighted, so it forbids the re-production.
S'mile 0 Across Canada - Driving route & Mainline 'Bike Across Canada' route
When you see people who 'bike across Canada' fully loaded with gear, however want to cross as fast as possable and dont mind missing a whole lot.
This is the 'mainline' cycling route that is currently used as the favorite route Across Canada. The route follows a more direct line across Canada where it goes from Mile 0 to Mile 0 of the "Trans Canada Highway".
This route is not listed directly on OpenCycleMap because it takes the highway shoulder and navigates the country as an AutoMobile route. It also marked as 'Trans Canada Highway", in some sections this follows a major highway (where bikes are not permitted) so the actual route that most cyclists use is listed. But a GPX track file is (will be) available. For that use.
Also, this route (if listed on OpenCycleMap) could potentially cause conflict with the Canadian Cycling Association, as it would be looked as as 'strikingly similar' to what is available for purchaise. Therefore, it's not listed only available as a GPX route, which is posted to different track sharing websites, and promoted as the 'Cycle Touring (with gear) for those who want to 'Bike Across Canada'.
Across Canada Trails - Proposed National Cycle Route
This is the proposed National Cycle Route as it goes Across the country, connecting the segments of the 'proposed National Cycle Network' (see above), making a single route starting In Tofino, BC and ending In Cape Spear NFLD.
This route is designed from an average of examining the most popular ways that people who want to "Bike Across Canada", however, different than the 'S'mile 0 Across Canada route', as it follows the similar direction of the Trans Canada Trail, and makes large 'S' curves across the country. .. still covering both mile-0's as in Tofino is the 'Pacific Terminuius of the Trans canada Highway', and Cape Spear is the 'eastern most point in Canada'. But also covers Mile - 0 Victoria & covers the entire country, trying not to miss anything.
Across Canada Trails - Proposed National Trekking Route
This route follows the similar route as the above 'Proposed National Cycle Route', but takes preference to the Gravel Trails where available.
The bike is custom built, and designed with mountain bike characteristics, but can handle the wait of a fully loaded cycle tourist with camping gear.
The route follows more closer to the general route of the Trans Canada Trail, and takes alternate routes where this type of recreation is not permitted.
Across Canada Trails - Proposed National Aquesterian Trail
This route follows the similar route as above, but takes preference to the trails which are specifically suitable for horse riding. It follows closer to the Trans Canada Trail, and for segments which are not 'passable' for horse riding, the highway route is listed (with a horse trailer logo) to show the connecting route.
Across Canada Trails - Proposed Hiking Route
Because this inniciative has already begun with 'Hike Canada - Hike en Marche (spelling)', this route follows the similar route as the Proposed National Cycle. trekking & Aquesterian Route, and takes a detour along vancouver Island to port Hardy and up to Prince Rupert.
Across Canada Trails - GPS Map
The next part is making a GPS Map which shows all of the above routes. Right now the OpenStreetMap database is not yet complete, as there are still tones of data that needs to be imported. The Current option is to use the Ibycus Topo, as the basemap, as it holds the entire Natural Resources Canada database, with most (not all) of the map features which are available).
OSM Canada - Contour Map
I am making a contour map based on that map. where it can be used as a transparent overlay when using OSM Canada.
The contour map is available for free, with the licence of 'this map cannot be sold'. Because of the shear size, maps will be abailable in sections, as well as the full download install file. The actual maps will be available on the file sharing and storing website mediafire, along with all the Ibycus Maps as OpenStreetMap is not complete.
There will be an other contour map which holds the Across Canada Trails, as well as the Trans Canada Trail segments, which will also be transparent, which means that isers can use any other map (ie Metro Guide Canada) and this map will show up over top.
POIs
POI's or Point of Interest, these are specially designed Icons that are made that can be loaded onto the GPS device, so then they will show up as little pictures on the device. Im collecting a free database (that others can contribute to) on GoogleMaps, which list the recommended; Hostels; Motels; B&B's; campgrounds; places to eat; things to see; Bike Shops. That are the most recommened by cyclists across Canada.
BikeMap.net
BikeMap.net is a GPS track & route sharing website which used OpenCycleMap & OpenStreetMap as a map layer to choose from when looking at the routes.
I am listing the main roues on this site, as well as looking at what others havested as routes to navigate through areas.
What i am ALSO doing is listing the .gpx tracks which are available on the TCT website, along with each of the trail numbers & details, so then users can see where these TCT segments exist. Unfortunatly, because of the confusing nature of the trail the actual trail uses is not clearly defined. So most of the time, it's best to not list it.
Across Canada Trails - National Trail Status Chart
I am also working on a GoogleDocs chart which lists all of the Trans Canada Trail segments, as well as all of the National Trails Coalition projects which are going on across the Country. As well as all the connecting segments which i am listed as 'Proposed (unofficial)' where they can be used to navigate to the next trail segment.
Essentially ensureing that wherever a 'dirt' trail exists, that an alternate 'paved surface' route is made available.
This chart is also available on request where others can be editing the chart in real-time, colaborativelly.
WikiMAP Book
The other project that is in the works is creating a map book which shows these routes. (A map book for each type of recreation). Where it shows in details the exact routes to take. The book is editable where others can easily edit it, and make changes as needed.
International Team of Editors
The project might seem bit complex and above the ability of just one person. That is correct. However, leveraging the power of the internet, and the ability for editing the international map (openstreetmap) and using Wiki pages, and using Google Docs where pages are editable, and using other sites where collaborative work is permitted. Along with instant messaging email, discussion boards & skype video & voice chat. It is possable to achieve these goals, even when the contributing editors are on the other side of the planet.
The key in the sucess of this venture, is in the ability to keep things as open as possable, where the source files are available and easily accessable for review and comment as things happen.
