On February 3, Jewish National Fund Manitoba/Saskatchewan hosted a presentation on Israeli cycling trails led by KKL-JNF Forest and Community Ranger Gidi Bashan.

The presentation, which was held at the Sport for Life Centre, was attended by cycling enthusiasts from across Winnipeg and surrounding communities.  Trails Manitoba, Bike Winnipeg, Manitoba Cycling Association and JNF supporters were all invited to come out and hear Bashan speak about his role in bringing cycling to Israel.

Bashan, who has a background in biology, geography and the history of Israel, has been working on developing cycling trails across his country for over ten years.  In this short period of time, KKL-JNF has built over 1000 km of single cycling tracks in addition to thousands of kilometers of existing multi-use forest trails.

“Mountain biking has become a ‘trend’ and ‘culture’ in Israel. Cyclists have adopted KKL-JNF forests as their backyard playground,” began Bashan to his captive audience.

While cyclists initially used the existing forest road system, they soon began building single tracks throughout the forests which threatened the ecosystem.

“KKL-JNF was the first organization to respond to the public’s desire for a bike trail system.  Implementation was initiated by the local foresters and later adopted by KKL-JNF management,” Bashan continued.

By developing cycling trails through the forests KKL-JNF was able to “advance cycling as an integral part of recreation and provide recreation solutions to a large public” while preserving the forests.  Bashan stressed the importance of coexisting with hikers, horseback riders, and other trail users as Israel does not have the space to build separate trails for each sport. 

When KKL-JNF first decided to build bike trails, they brought in the International Mountain Biking Association from the United States to certify approximately 50 mountain bike trail constructors, including Bashan himself. Then they got to work planning regional trails and bringing in volunteers to help execute their plans.  They trimmed trees, rolled rocks off of the paths, spread soil over particularly rough patches and then put up detailed signage. Finally, they took their trails online so people could check routes before heading out.

Now, the challenge is maintaining the trails.  Bashan explained that they have developed a system using bike patrol volunteers that ride the trails and report back to KKL-JNF when they find litter or sections of trail destroyed by motorbikes.

“I have organized bike trips as part of the national effort to preserve open spaces and increase awareness for their importance,” he concluded. Through education people will learn to take care of their land for generations to come.

In addition to speaking to the cycling organizations, Bashan met with seniors at the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence and students at Gray Academy of Jewish Education and Brock Corydon School to speak about cycling, afforestation in Israel, history and plans for the future and preservation of biblical agriculture in Sataf respectively over February 3-4, 2015.

Gidi Bashan will be leading a JNF Bike Mission to Israel October 25-November 2, 2015. For more information, please contact Sharon Lehrer at [email protected] or 1-866-775-1563. Limited space is available. A complete itinerary is available upon request.