COQUITLAM, B.C., April 3, 2023 – Coquitlam is delivering on its commitment to improve the safety and comfort for micromobility users along Guildford Way, thanks in part to funding from TransLink and the B.C. government.
When complete, the Guildford Greenway Protected Micromobility Lane Project will provide about 2.1 new kilometres of protected micromobility (i.e. cycling and scooter) lanes along a key arterial route. With a $500,000 grant from the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, and $2.5 million from TransLink’s Municipal Cost Share Programs, approximately 60 per cent of the project will be funded by partners.
Improvements Bringing Safer Cycling Connections
The project extends along Guildford Way from the Port Moody border to Pinetree Way. It will provide an upgrade to the existing painted bicycle lane by providing users protection from vehicles through physically separated micromobility lanes. Additional upgrades include improved lighting, landscaping and wayfinding as well as operational and safety improvements.
The project will be completed in two phases:
- Phase 1: Port Moody border to Johnson Street (2023) – micromobility lanes will stay in the existing location as the current painted lanes, but be separated from traffic by a new concrete curb.
- Phase 2: Johnson Street to Pinetree Way (2024) – micromobility lanes will be moved off the street and up into the boulevard between the sidewalks and curbs. This will provide connections to existing multi-use pathways along Pinetree Way and Guildford Way around Town Centre Park.
The first phase of construction will start this summer and will be complete by the fall. A future Phase 3 will continue the separated micromobility lanes up to Pipeline Road.
Providing protected micromobility lanes for cyclists and scooters in this busy corridor is important to improve the safety and level of comfort for users of all ages and abilities. The improvements were identified in the City Centre Area Plan, and are in line with the best practices expected to be established in the update to the Strategic Transportation Plan, currently in development. Information about the project will be posted to coquitlam.ca/GuildfordGreenway.
Quotes
“We’re happy to help the City of Coquitlam move forward with this project and to continue making investments in local projects across B.C. Getting more people onto bikes and choosing other active modes of transportation is a central element of our upcoming Clean Transportation Action Plan.” – Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain
“We’re excited to help fund this micromobility project in Coquitlam as part of TransLink’s Municipal Funding Program. Projects like these, which deliver dedicated lanes for pedestrians, bicycles and scooters, are welcome additions to our cities and improve the overall livability of this region. We’re proud to be able to support municipalities in building environmental friendly communities with convenient transportation options for residents.” – Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink
“As a regular cyclist and e-bike rider, I’m always excited to see new infrastructure that supports micromobility in our community and – in this case – connecting with neighbouring communities as well. I’m grateful to the Province and TransLink who provide much-needed funding to support these improvements, funding which allows us to stretch our municipal budget further.” – Mayor Richard Stewart, City of Coquitlam
Micromobility as a Growing Trend
Micromobility is more than just bikes – it refers to a range of low- to medium-speed transportation devices that are people or electric powered including bikes, scooters and skateboards. It is an emerging and important part of transportation options either for standalone trips, or at the beginning or end of transit trips. This is especially true in transit-oriented development areas such as City Centre and Burquitlam-Lougheed.
With e-scooters allowed for use in Coquitlam as part of a Provincial pilot project, they and e-bikes have the potential to help users navigate Coquitlam’s challenging terrain, and provide another sustainable transportation option for residents and visitors.
Continued micromobility integration will be addressed as part of the City’s E-Mobility Strategy, currently in development, along with the update to the Strategic Transportation Plan. Additionally, continued growth in environmentally friendly modes of travel support the City’s goals around sustainability as outlined in the Environmental Sustainability Plan, and economic goals identified in the Economic Development Strategy (currently in development).
About Coquitlam’s Updated Strategic Transportation Plan
The City adopted the current Strategic Transportation Plan in 2012. Since then, the City has made progress in increasing sustainable transportation options in Coquitlam such as walking, cycling and public transit. There have also been significant changes in transportation over the last 10 years, including the addition of the Millennium Line Evergreen SkyTrain extension, updates to best practices in street design, increased emphasis on safety for vulnerable road users, and emerging technologies to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.
A new Strategic Transportation Plan will provide an updated long-term vision for Coquitlam’s transportation network that integrates these changes and provides a focus on prioritizing key actions and policy changes for the next 10 years. It will also align with other City plans such as the recently adopted Environmental Sustainability Plan and the Economic Development Strategy currently in development, while also applying the City’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Learn more at coquitlam.ca/transportationplan.
Media contact:
Douglas McLeod
Director of Transportation
604-927-4303
dmcleod@coquitlam.ca