Multi-use path along Lougheed from 216th to Laity: photos

The multi-use path under construction along the north side of Lougheed from 216th to Laity is progressing well. Well before the end of the year we should be able to bike here:

Get involved: Pitt Meadows Active Transportation Advisory Committee

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows no longer have a joint Bicycle Advisory Committee. Pitt Meadows has decided to have its own Active Transportation Advisory Committee. For those who would like to get involved, this is a great opportunity to do so and help make cycling and walking in Pitt Meadows even better! Yesterday's Times had the following announcement:

Are you an active walker or cyclist in Pitt Meadows?

The City of Pitt Meadows is now accepting applications from interested individuals in serving on the following Council appointed committee:

PITT MEADOWS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Active Transportation Advisory Committee advises Council and staff on strategic priorities and policies relating to active transportation in Pitt Meadows using the Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan and the Master Transportation Plan as a guide. Other matters may include public education and promotion of active transportation modes, including the bi-annual Bike Week.

Letters of interest are being sought for the following volunteer positions:

• Six (6) public-at-large members residing in Pitt Meadows to begin December 1, 2013 for a two year term to expire November 30, 2015.

Letters should include an indication of why the candidate wishes to serve, along with their community involvement background, if any. Preference will be given for local representatives of HUB and other avid local cycling and walking organizations. An online application form is available on the City's website under the City Hall - Committees and Commissions tab.

For further information, please contact Ike de Boer, Engineering Services Coordinator, Development Services Department, at ideboer@pittmeadows.bc.ca or 604-465-2425.

Please note: Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 1, 2013 at 4:30 pm.

My latest column in the Maple Ridge News:

Don’t we live in a crazy world?

Published: October 10, 2013 3:00 PM 

I previously wrote about a motion by the City of Victoria at last month’s conference for the Union of B.C. Municipalities, for a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h on all residential streets.

Unfortunately, it got shot down.

I’m sure that, in their hearts, decision makers know it’s the right thing to do. But they’re afraid of the ire of drivers, and their revenge come the next election.

Read more...

Lougheed repaving/restriping between Kanaka Way and 116th Ave.

The District has just finished repaving and restriping the section of Lougheed between Kanaka Way and 116th Ave. (Telosky Hill, by Thomas Haney Secondary School) this week.

We had asked the Engineering Department to make the car lanes narrower and the shoulders wider, especially on the north side, where previously closer to 116th Ave. the shoulder pretty much disappeared.

It's looking pretty good. The car lanes could have been made narrower (I don't think cars are speeding any less than before), but it certainly is a big improvement now that we have official bike lanes (no they're actually shoulders, see update below). The only thing that is still missing is the bike symbols, which will be where the "B" markings are located. I'm - quite selfishly - quite pleased with this, since this is a route I take almost every day.

I took some pics the other day:

Lougheed westbound at Kanaka Way: this is definitely an improvement. Previously the shoulder didn't start until the end of the on-ramp. 

Westbound, approaching the intersection at 116th Ave. Also much better! There was as good as no shoulder until now.

Eastbound at 116th. The shoulder is pretty much the same as before, but nice smooth pavement makes for a more comfortable ride. The annoying ridge that was just about in the middle of the shoulder is gone.

End of bike lane eastbound at Kanaka Way.

UPDATE March 10, 2014: I was actually mistaken that these are bike lanes. They're actually supposed to be shoulders. I noticed that on a recent map. I think the contractor probably was mistaken too, since only a few bike symbols appeared and then he never finished it. They might as well have made them into bike lanes.