As announced at the SBC Annual Meeting, Phase 1 construction will start this month on the Guemes Island Ferry Trail (GIFT)!
Our bike club donated $1,500 to help make this trail a reality. In February, we topped off the funds needed to complete Phase 1, and provided seed money for Phase 2.
The permit to construct Phase 1 was recently issued by Skagit County, and the project has been awarded to Quintero and Company. Quoting from the September Ferry Trail Newsletter,
Phase 1 of the trail extends from the Guemes Island Ferry Dock to the Store and north to the “Community Campus” (including the Church, the Labyrinth, the Library, and the Hall), making all of these community facilities accessible from the ferry via a safe, non-motorized pathway.
The next time you're riding on Guemes Island, notice the start of the Trail, which was constructed by volunteers. It's a path located between Guemes Island Road and the General Store. This path will be extended north starting this month, so be particularly aware as recommended in the Ferry Trail Newsletter:
Safety Along Guemes Island Road During Trail Construction
Construction of this part of the trail is estimated to be of relatively short duration. In any case, construction sites require heightened safety precautions - by the construction crew as well as passersby. As there will be heavy equipment moving around the site and on the road at times, we ask that you please SLOW DOWN and watch for potential temporary road blockages or detours.
We acknowledge the temporary incovenience we’re asking you to endure. We are grateful for your patience and support on this long journey with us. We will need your continued patience and support as we make this final push towards completion. This part of the road will soon be safer for all!
Thank you for your support of our Bike Club and projects like this, which improve biking infrastructure!
If you'd like to receive GIFT updates in your in-box or make a personal donation to Phase 2 construction, please go to their website at https://www.guemesislandferrytrail.org/