The City of New Westminster is moving forward with its goal to reduce the impact of motor vehicle traffic through the Uptown Active Transportation Improvements Project.
The initiative includes two projects that, together, will “reimagine some local streets to make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to move comfortably and safely on foot, bicycle, and other non-motorized wheels in the Uptown neighbourhood.”
"The Uptown neighbourhood is an important residential and commercial area in New Westminster and in need of improved sustainable transportation infrastructure,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté, in a statement. “The active transportation projects will significantly improve the cycling and walking experience and create safer and more accessible connections to other parts of the city.”
The Rotary Crosstown Greenway Upgrades and New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) Cycling Connector projects take direction from the vision set in the council-approved Uptown Streetscape Vision to create “a vibrant commercial district with a distinct identity, accessible and sustainable transportation, and inviting and engaging public spaces that are welcoming to all people."
The city is seeking community feedback on design options for the Rotary Crosstown Greenway upgrades along Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Fifth Street, and on possible routing options for the new NWSS Cycling Connector.
Additional project goals include enhancing the public realm and tree canopy, seeking opportunities for green infrastructure, and reducing the impacts of motor vehicles and through traffic in this neighbourhood, while limiting the impacts to people who rely on on-street parking.
The Rotary Crosstown Greenway Upgrades will improve safety, comfort and accessibility on the section of the existing greenway along Seventh Avenue between Eighth Street and Fifth Street. These upgrades will replace the interim bike lanes installed on Seventh Avenue in 2017.
The new NWSS Cycling Connector project will link the Rotary Crosstown Greenway on Seventh Avenue to the east entrance of the new school on Sixth Street, enabling students, staff and visitors to conveniently and safely cycle, wheel or walk to the school from the east and south.
For more information: www.beheardnewwest.ca/uptowncycling
