2023-06-01 Agenda

HUB North Shore Committee regular meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Everybody is welcome.

In-person at the North Vancouver City Library (14th/Lonsdale) in the Don Preston Boardroom (2nd floor).

Or Online, using Google Meets: https://meet.google.com/myr-xmnd-iob

or by Phone: +1 587-977-8033‬ PIN: ‪290 663 905‬#

General

• Agenda additions
• Introductions

Public Input/Consultations

• Public input is critical when Council and Staff make trade-offs and decisions. Please make sure your voice is heard!!
• Upper Lynn Valley Road - Peters to Dempsey
  • Continuing the Safety improvements including bikelanes, that were installed on Lynn Valley Rd between the Town Centre (Mtn Hwy) and Peters Rd in 2022.
  • Link to the Survey now open until June 5th, 2023 (~5 mins, 6 webpages with mostly multiple choice)
  • Click for more details and suggested responses
• E-Bike Share Pilot Program survey
  • The City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver would like to learn about your experience with the Lime e-bike share pilot program.
  • Link to the Survey now open until Monday, June 19 at 4pm. (Very quick, takes less than 5 min, only 3 pages, multiple choice)
  • Click for more details and suggested responses

Goals & Objectives

• Add Phase 2 top priority Bikeways - current Gaps Map
  • Liaisons to select a one or two for their municipality
• Communications - any ideas??
• Recruiting - Fill vacant positions
• Ensure Cycling Priorities are in DWV's Transportation Strategy

Events

• Need a coordinator/organizer for events

• Spring Go By Bike Week. - May 29th to June 4th
  • Mon, May 29, 4-6 PM - 13th and Argyle - Ambleside park entrance - DWV
    • Peter & Fiona
  • Wed, May 31, 7-9 AM - Second Narrows Bridge - NE off ramp - DNV
    • Will S(possible), Don, Nicolas
  • Fri, Jun 2, 8-10 AM - Lionsgate Hospital (Hope Centre) - 13th - Vancouver Coastal Health
    • Fiona, Paul J
  • Fri, Jun 2, 4-6 PM - Museum of North Vancouver - Esplande - CNV
    • Don, Rueben

• Spring Spokes Community Ride - June 4, 2-5
  • meet at 1:30 pm at Shipyards Square.

• Blueridge Good Neighbour Day - June 11th, 11-3
  • Will S(possible) & Don, need 2 more people (2 shifts)

• Cargo Bike Race: Disaster Relief Trial (DRT)
  • Roland Schigas is chairing
  • First organizing meeting was 02-May-2023
  • Date provisionally planned for 26-Aug-2023
  • Volunteers = Duncan + Our Greenway (Sam Starr + Darnell) + Fiona + Jen

City of North Vancouver - Nadia/Sophia

CNV Key Contacts & Staff Meetings

• Completed:

Meeting with CNV Engineering team on May 24th

Summary of current/upcoming CNV projects - this year & beyond

• Signal timing
  • Please enter intersections of concern here. We will take them to CNV

• Signage requests and links to the Spirit Trail were discussed. A project to complete the Spirit Trail through Lynnmouth Park is anticipated to start engagement and design in 2024, with construction in 2025.

• Poor signage around construction sites, particularly Esplanade, was discussed. Please email me with any concerns and I will forward to them.

• Cotton/Main WB
  • City engineers have requested a markup of our suggestions. They believe there is insufficient space between the hydro poles and existing landscaping.

• Casano-Loutet Overpass/Midtown Connector
  • hoping to get permit to proceed in July, then start construction prep, there will be a re-engagement process. best case scenario, construction will start by the end of the year.
  • no update on the Midtown Connector

• Cyclist fatality at 23rd and Lonsdale
  • The intersection ranked 18th, for volume of collisions on the North Shore during 2017-2021 period
  • immediate safety improvements, which include: Introduction of new, no right on red light restrictions implemented at the eastbound and westbound approaches; New green bike box markings in front of the eastbound and westbound stop bars; new single file operation at the intersection approaches. Longer term changes include introducing a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) signal phase, signal phasing changes, and a fully protected off-road mobility lane on the north side of East 23rd Street, between Lonsdale Avenue and St Georges Avenue (delivered through the Harry Jerome Rec Centre project).

• Upper Levels Greenway
  • discussions underway with MOTI to ensure they are on board with the proposed changes as 25th is currently the proposed route. This should allow for general mobility improvements around the Lonsdale/highway interchange area

• 4th and Chesterfield
  • in line to get a bike light

• Chesterfield
  • we discussed the increased use of this as a bike lane and its current shortcomings. Anecdotal observations of increased bike use were shared and they agreed that this is a priority route. It should be completed in conjunction with or right after the midtown connector.

• Lime bikes
  • Please complete the survey by June 19th at 4 PM. There are a couple of places where you can advocate for bike infrastructure.

• NVCL cargo bike initiative
  • on hold waiting for the NVDPL to get up and running

ITC - Dana & Jonathan

• May meeting update (held May 3): we received an overview of CNV's zoning bylaw policy (for information purposes only). CNV will be overhauling their zoning bylaws in the coming months, which could have direct and indirect impacts on cycling infrastructure (e.g., bike storage requirements for new builds, encouraging more community amenities to reduce travel distances, etc.). Public engagement on their zoning policy is expected to start in early June.

District of North Vancouver - Duncan/Stephen/Don

• Meeting with Staff - We had a good introductory meeting May 12th with Mac Fitzgerald, who will lead Transportation planning.

• 2023 Budget
  • Asked Mac how the extra $4.5M + $3M AT funding will be allocated and provided our prioritized project list.

• Main St - Harbour Ave - Barrows
  • Sent Project Mgr (Ben) comments on updated design for Harbour Ave & Harbour-Main Intersection
    • Generally design is good, but we are pushing for better protection to be added for bikelane on Harbour.
  • DNV will be gathering Public Input (online) on the design in June.

• Mountain Hwy from Lynn Valley Road to Arborlynn
  • Sent a formal letter with comments.

• Spirit Trail, East of Seymour planning:
  • Have asked for timeline and a copy of consultants report.

• DNV Library Cargo Bikes at Lynn Valley Library -Duncan (DW)
  • "Report back by staff" returned, for presentation at council 05-Jun: https://app.dnv.org/OpenDocument/Default.aspx?docNum=6020347
  • Staff do not recommend doing this pilot through the library due to insurance/liability risks
  • Staff present an alternative method of RFP, 3rd party contract - which if it proceeds will make the timetable 2024.

District of West Vancouver - Paul/Peter/Mike

Bike lanes on Marine Drive between 25th and 31st Streets

• On 15 May, six of 7 Councilors voted in favour of plans to proceed with painted bike lanes, a painted buffer, green paint at driveways and intersections, and flexible delineators poles on approaches to intersections. Councillor Sharon Thompson voted against the motion because she didn't think that it was safe enough without a physical barrier between cyclists and motorists. Three other councilors who spoke also wanted to see, in the future, some physical barriers between cyclists and motorists.
• On 25 May, we received an email from Sean O'Sullivan, DWV Senior Manager, Roads & Transportation, asking the following questions:
  • From your point of view, as West Vancouver cyclists, is the impact that delineators would have on passing a concern?
  • Is there any concern about the bike lanes not being plowed or debris not being cleared as frequently as it could be without delineators?
  • Would you support us proceeding as planned and only installing the delineators on the approaches to intersections at this time and then allow cyclists to use the bike lanes and get feedback about future improvements?
• Paul drafted a detailed response, then after receiving input from Mike and Peter, sent it to Sean on 27 May which included assurance that the work can proceed as planned - https://wiki.bikehub.ca/images/2/2e/2023-05-27_Paul_Stott_email_to_Sean_O%27Sullivan.pdf.
• On 28 May, Sean responded to Paul with an interesting email containing data on traffic collisions on Marine Drive between 2016 and 2021 and traffic count data on the 2900 block of Marine Drive.
  • He provided two tables with ICBC collision information which can be seen at: https://wiki.bikehub.ca/images/a/a2/Collisions_on_Marine_Drive_-_2016_to_2021.pdf.
  • The traffic count data can be seen at: https://wiki.bikehub.ca/images/f/f1/2900_block_Marine_Drive_traffic_count_March_2-8_2023.pdf
  • He said: "Over the last 6 years that we have information for, there have been 40 collisions involving cyclists. In general there appear to be about 6 collisions involving cyclists per year along Marine Drive. 2017 appears to be an anomaly with 17 collisions involving cyclists."
  • He also said: "It appears that 7 of the collisions that occurred are between 25th and 31st where we are going to be installing marked bike lanes. In addition, in 2024 the District is going to make improvements to the Marine Dr/31st St intersection and upgraded the signal from a pedestrian signal to a full traffic signal. Three of the cyclist collisions occurred at that intersection."
  • Finally, on the planned bike lane painting he said: "Our line painting contractor is scheduled to eradicate the existing lines on Marine Drive on Sunday June 11 and start painting the new lines on Monday June 12. The intent is to have the lane lines and the centre line recessed reflectors installed by June 16."

Ambleside Local Area Plan (LAP)

• On 9 May, Peter participated in one of the series of public workshops in the afternoon and, in the evening, attended a Positive Voices information session on local area planning. Between the two sessions, he mentioned the following three cycling-related issues that we think need to be considered in the LAP:
  • 1. a dedicated bikeway between the town centres of Ambleside and Park Royal;
  • 2. separating bikes from traffic and pedestrians on the Spirit Trail through Ambleside and a westward extension of the Spirit Trail to connect to Dundarave Village; and
  • 3. establishing Slow Streets within and through the LAP boundaries.

Taylor Way Local Area Plan (LAP)

• Paul had a call from DWV Councillor Lambur, who said he is leading the Taylor Way LAP process and is advocating for a comprehensive transit hub at Park Royal North. He would very much like to have HUB as a stakeholder in the planning process. A safer Marine Dr/Taylor Way intersection for AT would be a key element in the planning.

Go by Bike Week celebration station on 29 May

• The location was on the grass beside the Spirit Trail at 13th Street and the event was sponsored by the DWV.
• Peter was one of two HUB North Shore volunteers, the other being Fiona Walsh from the City of North Van. There were two HUB arrangers that brought all of the supplies and equipment and manned the HUB tent. There was also a bike mechanic and reps from Lime e-bike share.
• There were 172 people on bicycles passing by the station. Here is the tabulated list documenting the numbers of riders, directions, sex and number of e-bikes recorded at the station: https://wiki.bikehub.ca/images/a/a2/GBBWW_tally_sheet_Argyle_and_13th_29_May_23_final.pdf

Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure - Mike/Don

• Blind spot where Orwell trail meets MSP-Keith Rd overpass MUP
  • MoTI has painted stop line & warnings, checking if signage is to follow.
• Phibbs Exchange
  • Phase 1 just started (complete by May-2023?)
    • Detours with signage in place. The connection between Orwell and south side of main is a long ugly detour via Mtn Highway, or ride with traffic on the off-ramp. They will try to improve this in month or so if they can widen the off-ramp once they move some utilities.
  • Phase 2 will start after Phase 1 and finish in late 2024. Detours should be much better for this phase.

Communications & Outreach - Rueben/Paul/Heather

• let us know if there is something we should communicate about - blocked bike lanes, new infrastructure, etc.
• Twitter (Rueben)
  • Highlighted issue with lack of detour on Esplanade during paving
  • Published HUB letter about Marine Drive, 26th to 31st
  • Advertised surveys for:
    • Mt Hwy safety improvement
    • Vancouver Portside Greenway
    • Lynn Valley Road
  • Advertised Go By Bike Week, focusing on North Shore events

• Facebook(Heather)

• North Shore News - May
  • Move On: Interesting decisions to be made extending Spirit Trail to Deep Cove

Schools - Paul Janzen

• Canyon Heights, Lynnmour, Braemar done so far.
• Irwin Park in West Van last week. Funds came from MOTI ERG 4/5 program.
• MOTI funding is sometimes used for anomaly areas such as White Rock, UBC, Bowen Island.

Group Rides - Who?

• Need an Organizer/coordinator
  • also qualified Leads& Sweeps
• Why - Objectives
  • HUB Evaluation rides
    • with Municipal staff & council along to show problems
    • use Lime or bike shop e-bikes loaners
  • Exploration rides
    • group from committee finding possible routes
  • Membership rides
    • familiarization people with safe routes on the north shore
• Destinations:
  • Welch St bridge to Dundarave
  • Maplewoods, Dollarton, Orwell, Lower Mtn Hwy, Brooksbank, Keith, MSP, Riverside loop
  • Spirit Trail east of Seymour route - Will

Developers - Fred, Paul & Peter

• Currently active:
  • West Van
    • ????
  • CNV
    • ????
  • DNV
    • Don to talk to Chard Development about an upcoming project.

Translink - Antje

• Smart Lockers at Lonsdale Quay
  • Standing Bike locks are operational - free for 1st 24 hours!.
    • lock frame and one wheel. Look quite sturdy.
  • Bike Boxes are still behind construction fence.
• Phibbs Exchange upgrades are still on hold.

Social (Beer!!)

• Jack Lonsdale, after the meeting
  • Any and all are welcome - whether at the Library or online!