Project Inclusive at Pavlis Park: Southwest Idaho’s First Adaptive Mountain Bike Trail System Article

Project Inclusive at Pavlis Park: Southwest Idaho’s First Adaptive Mountain Bike Trail System

In the expansive foothills of Eagle amid the Avimor housing development, a quiet revolution in outdoor access began unfolding last spring. Led by the Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking Association (SWIMBA), Project Inclusive broke ground on the area’s first adaptive mountain bike trail system, named in honor of Kevin A. Pavlis, a coach and champion for adaptive athletes.

With input from local adaptive riders, the design team, led by Titus Trails, crafted trails that accommodated the unique needs of these riders and their custom bikes, with features like a slightly wider path and longer turn radiuses, plus optics to minimize over-the-edge exposure. These adjustments made the terrain welcoming without sacrificing the thrill.

“I don’t want a dumbed down trail,” said Pat Dougherty, one of the adaptive cyclists that tested out the new system. “I want a challenging trail.”

For the adaptive riders like Pat, this is more than just an inclusive trail; it’s a pathway back to finding joy in recreation. “I find when I strap into my bike, I’m independent and that really brings me along in my own rehabilitation to get out there and live life, and move,” said Pat.

The success of Project Inclusive isn’t just in the construction, but in the community spirit. When a call went out for volunteers to help with trail maintenance and sign installation, the slots were filled within a day. Volunteers dug post holes and even installed signs with stickers indicating which trails were suitable for adaptive riders.

“This is a community-supported trail system, so to get volunteers is something that’s really special for us at SWIMBA and we really appreciate everybody’s hard work and dedication to come out and help make this trail possible,” said SWIMBA Vice President, Sam Blaine.

One volunteer noted, “I think one of the coolest things about living in Idaho is that we have opportunities to have bike trails and stuff like this in our backyard, so it’s important to take care of it, you know?”

Project Inclusive isn’t just a destination; it’s a template. SWIMBA hopes this park will act as a springboard for future trails, encouraging builders across Idaho to adopt accessibility as a core design principle.

“It’s hard to get mad at people that want to come to Idaho and live here because of all the great outdoor recreation. We just need to be smart in our planning and development and collaboration with developers, with cities, with counties, to ensure that there’s preservation of open space that allows for continued recreation and I think that’s one thing SWIMBA’s really looking at as part of our core strategic vision over the next ten years.”

For the community it serves, the effect of just one bike trail has been transformative. As one rider noted, “I never thought I’d be back on a bike again, and when I got on it, I was like, ‘Wow, I’m back. I’m back.’”

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