COQUITLAM, B.C., October 13, 2023 – Celebrate Go by Bike Week in Coquitlam from October 16 to 29. Join the City and HUB Cycling at one of two public events to learn about the benefits of cycling, as well as tips for riding in cold and wet weather.
Go by Bike Week Events
Every year, the City partners with local non-profit HUB Cycling on events and activities to learn about Coquitlam cyclist resources, including route maps, bike repair stations and over 115 kilometres of bike routes.
The Coquitlam-sponsored Celebration Stations listed below encourage team or personal challenges and will offer tips for riding in the fall and winter, snacks, hard copies of the Tri-Cities Cycling Map, quick bike maintenance and prize giveaways.
The full calendar of events can be found online at HUB Cycling. Participants are encouraged to register for free and log their cycling trips to be entered to win daily prizes. Registration also provides access to online tools for creating routes, inviting team members and more.
Tips for Off-Season Riding
With the right gear, cycling is possible year-round in Coquitlam.
- Check Your Bike – Before heading out, ensure your bicycle is in good working condition.
- Wear a Helmet – Always wear a helmet to protect your head in case of accidents.
- Be Prepared – Expect the rain and have the appropriate gear for it. Consider clothing and items you already have:
- Gloves – Waterproof is great but others can work too.
- Rain pants – Any will work, but the most convenient will be those designed for biking that pass easily over your shoes and have some reflective panels.
- Eyewear – Clear or yellow-tinted glasses (anti-fogging) keep water out of your eyes.
- Shoe covers – Bike boot covers hug your shoes and keep them dry.
- Be seen – Use front and rear lights, and wear highly visible clothing.
- Be predictable and clear – Use everything you have to communicate clearly. Hand signals, bells, body language and eye contact are important for communicating to others what your intentions are. It should be clear when you’re going to stop, turn or slow down.
Coquitlam’s Commitment to Cycling
The City’s biannual participation in Go by Bike Week events are just one example of our ongoing commitment to sustainable transportation.
- Phase 1 of the Guildford Greenway Micromobility project is almost complete and includes upgrading the existing painted bicycle lane on Guildford Way to fully separated micromobility (cycling) lanes from the Port Moody border to Johnson Street. Phase 2 between Johnson Street and Pinetree Way is scheduled to be built in 2024.
- Coquitlam has adopted bylaw amendments to encourage cycling in the community and make it easier for future residents and commercial office users to travel by bike, including increased numbers of bike parking spaces, bicycle maintenance and end-of-trip facilities in new buildings.
- Coquitlam encourages sustainable modes and has also launched an e-scooter pilot and a shared micromobility pilot making it easier to access sustainable transportation options in the City Centre – info can be found at coquitlam.ca/escooter.
- Coquitlam has over 115 kilometres of bike routes (collectively known as micromobility routes) including shared bikeways, bike lanes, multi-use pathways, and protected bike lanes.
- For quick repairs, cyclists can stop by the bike maintenance stations at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.) and City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way) – they are fully equipped with the basic tools to change a flat, adjust brakes and derailleurs and more.
- For temporary parking, use the TransLink bike parkades at Lafarge Lake-Douglas and Burquitlam SkyTrain stations.
- Coquitlam micromobility users can choose their route on the go with the CoquitlamConnect app, available free through the App Store and Google Play. Find interactive routes in Coquitlam and throughout Metro Vancouver and filter routes based on skill level, as well as whether the routes are off-street, on-street or on a major street. Visit coquitlam.ca/CoquitlamConnect for details.
More info is at coquitlam.ca/cycling.
About Coquitlam’s Updated Strategic Transportation Plan
The City adopted the existing Strategic Transportation Plan in 2012, and since then made progress in increasing sustainable transportation in Coquitlam such as walking, cycling and public transit. There have also been significant changes and improvements including the addition of SkyTrain and consideration for different kinds of street 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, while also applying the City’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Learn more at coquitlam.ca/TransportationPlan.
Media contact:
Thomas Thivener
Transportation Planning Manager
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.