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Revision as of 21:14, 3 November 2010
The Hot Spots page is a collection of specific locations throughout the North Shore where improvements are needed.
District of North Vancouver
Welch Street & Bridge Road Improvements
Location:
Bridge Road east from Park Royal through Bridge Road and Welch Street into North Vancouver
Issues:
The DWV is working with the Squamish Nation about incorporating the Spirit Trail from Park Royal along Bridge Road, then along Welch Street into North Vancouver. In addition to the Spirit Trail, there will be possible enhancements to the roadway, a controlled intersection at Lower Capilano Road and Welch Street. The issues are:
- Make sure that in addition to the Spirit Trail there are provisions made for commuter cyclists and road riders (e.g. bike lanes north/south on Bridge Road, east/west on Welch Street)
- Make sure there are provisions for bikers to activate the “controlled signals” at the intersection of Lower Capilano Road and Welch Street
- Improved paving to eliminate the pot-holes and cracks that currently exist
- Widen the road way to make it easier for cars and cyclist to co-exist.
- Ensure DNV embraces the changes made on Bridge St, Bridge Rd and Welch St and continue these improvements into North Vancouver
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Advocate for the proper resolution of the issues above.
Responsible Bodies:
Capilano Road Improvements
Location:
Capilano Road between Fullerton and Hwy 1
Issue:
- Construction is already under way
- Highlights of the project include (taken from the web site at http://www.dnv.org/capilanoroad)"
- Reduction of a sharp curve in the roadway, which will reduce the risk of collisions and promote more consistent travel speeds;
- Addition of standard street lighting to improve visibility for all users;
- Installation of a traffic signal at 21st Street to facilitate safer vehicle access, allow for safer pedestrian crossings, and facilitate signal coordination;
- Reconstruction and widening of sidewalks on the east side, and construction of sidewalks at key locations on the west side;
- Construction of separate bicycle lanes on both sides of Capilano Road to reduce conflicts between drivers and cyclists and ensure safer travel for cyclists;
- Replacement of sections of storm sewers and watermains underneath Capilano Road; and
- Rehabilitation of the pavement along the roadway.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Obtain comprehensive description of the plan for review - are they in line with our objectives?
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
Marine Drive: Lions Gate to Bewicke
Location:
description and google map?
Issue:
What is wrong?
NS-VACC Objectives:
What do we advocate for it?
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
- MoT
Access from Pemberton Heights to Capilano Rd
Location:
Keith Rd and the Hwy 1 access ramp to Capilano Rd.
Issue:
Residents of Pemberton Heights do not have a safe means to access Capilano Road. The steep escarpment on the south perimeter of the area prohibits direct access to Marine Dr and points beyond. The only reasonable cycling accesses for Pemberton Heights are Mackay Ave on the east and the Highway 1 ramp to Capilano Road on the west. Enhancing access here would also open up cycling routes utilizing the Phillip Ave tunnel, the Pemberton overpass and the path along the south side of the highway from Lloyd Ave to Mosquito Creek.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Continuation of the northbound cycling lane on Capilano Rd as a multi-use pathway to W Keith Rd and 23rd St
- Zebra at intersection of 23rd and Keith Rd to facilitate crossing from the proposed MUP to the trail to 23rd st
- Painted cycle lanes on W Keith Rd
- Curb drops at either end of the trail to 23rd St to facilitate use by cyclists
- Cyclist accessible signal button and crossing at south side of intersection on Capilano Road for access to/from the southbound cycling lane on Capilano Road.
Discussion
- Jay MacDonald has had several conversations with Patrick Golier of DNV regarding access between Pemberton Heights and Capilano Rd.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
- MoT
Spirit Trail at Mosquito Ck
Location:
description and google map?
Issue:
- What is wrong?
NS-VACC Objectives:
What do we advocate for it?
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
Trail between Tatlow Ave and Capilano Rd
Location:
At the north end of Tatlow Ave is a convenient trail that connects to Capilano Road opposite Graveley St. The trail is rumoured to be off limits to bicycles (certainly the trail east of Tatlow is, and is signed as such). This is a perfect connector for bicycle traffic coming from Marine Drive to Capilano Road.
Issue:
- Need to confirm that this is not off limits to bicycles. If so this is just a short cut.
- Access to the trail from Graveley St requires crossing Capilano Rd at a busy spot. A signal or a tunnel would help.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Sign and maintain it as a bike route
- Safe crossing of Capilano Rd
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
Lillooet Road
Location:
- Lillooet Road is the main access road for traffic headed for Capilano University, the residential neighbourhood next to the university, and the LSCR. The road has four lanes at the intersection with Mt Seymour Parkway and narrows to three lanes a short way before Purcell Way.
Issues:
- Lillooet Road is a designated bike route and is marked as an on-street neighbourhood bikeway on the Translink cycling map. The road has no dedicated cycling infrastructure.
- Speeding is common, especially during school rush hour (before and after classes or events at Capilano University).
- When going north and uphill, most commuter cyclists use the east sidewalk along Lillooet Road. The difference in speed between cyclists and motorized traffic is too large for most cyclists, especially with the high incidence of speeding.
- No bike lane at intersection with Purcell Way (north bound). On-road cyclists currently use the right turn lane to go straight because they don't want to block the other lane while going uphill at a slow speed.
- When going south and downhill, it can be difficult for cyclists to find the correct position on the road because the number and width of the lanes varies.
- Insufficient signage to connecting bike routes, Capilano University and the LSCR.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Separate paved bike path along Lillooet Rd between Mt Seymour Parkway and Purcell Way for north bound (uphill) cyclists.
- Sharrows on Lillooet Rd between Purcell Way and Mt Seymour Parkway for south bound (downhill) cyclists.
- Signage to destinations and other bike routes.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
- MoT
- Metro Vancouver (for signage to LSCR)
Old Lillooet Road
Location:
- Old Lillooet Road is the shortest route between Capilano University, the Lynnmour neighbourhood and shops & services on Main St, at Park & Tilford and west-bound bike routes.
Issues:
- No convenient connection for cyclists between the north end of Old Lillooet Rd and Lillooet Rd
- No signage
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Paved bike path with curb drops between the north end of Old Lillooet Rd and Lillooet Rd.
- Facilitate crossing of Lillooet Rd near north end of Old Lillooet Rd.
- Signage to destinations and other bike routes, especially to the bridge underpasses at Hwy 1 and Keith Rd.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
Keith Bridge and Highway 1 underpasses at Lynn Creek
Location:
- The east side bridge underpasses connect East Keith Rd at Mountain Highway with Old Lillooet Road.
Issues:
- Path not paved and too narrow under Keith bridge.
- No cycling infrastructure south of the underpasses at Mountain Highway and Keith Rd. Cyclists are left to either ride the arterial roads or use sidewalks. There is a crushed gravel path partway through Seylynn park, but it does not connect, interferes with the skate park users and has bad surface quality.
- No signage.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Paving, widening of bridge underpasses at Lynn Creek.
- Add cycling infrastructure south of bridge underpasses:
- Bike path or lane connecting the Hwy 1 underpass with Orwell St.
- Bike lanes on East Keith Rd.
- Wide multi-use path through Seylynn Park and along Lynn Ck to Main St.
- Signage to destinations and other bike routes.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
Fern St / Mountain Highway
Location:
- Fern St between Hwy 1 overpass and Mountain Highway; Mountain Highway between Fern St and East Keith Rd.
Issues:
- Arterial roads due to be widened for highrise development on Fern St.
- No safe bike route available that connects from Orwell St to E Keith Rd or Lynnmour North (north of Hwy 1).
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Infrastructure needed for safe and convenient north-south connection (Orwell St to E Keith Rd and bridge underpasses) and east-west connection (Mountain Highway/Fern St to Superstore)
- Place push button at existing Fern St crosswalk (at Orwell ramp) so it is not hidden, or add a sign.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
- MoT
Orwell Street
Location:
- Between the park & ride lot at Phibbs exchange to the south and Fern St to the north.
- Orwell St is a quiet off road alternative to Mountain Highway with almost no car traffic.
Issues:
- Curbs across path need to be removed
- Bad path surface
- Trail too narrow in places for sharing with pedestrians
- Cars park across path entrances
- Ramp to Fern St overgrown with brambles
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Paved multi-use path along Orwell St
- Annual pruning of brambles along path and ramp
- Signage
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
Seymour Greenway
Location:
- The proposed Seymour Greenway will connect the LSCR with the waterfront, broadly following the Seymour Valley. It will be a multi-use path (pedestrians, cyclists, horses in the upper area).
- Construction of the section between the cemetery and Mount Seymour Parkway started in October 2010.
Issues:
- The greenway has the potential to improve access to Capilano University, the LSCR and the residences in the area, at least during day time. The hydro right-of-way route south of Capilano University will probably feel too isolated for many commuter cyclists.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Connect well with bike routes on Mount Seymour Parkway and Lillooet Rd.
- Signage to destinations and bike routes.
- Supplement but not substitute for a paved bike path to Capilano University.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
Mt Seymour Parkway / Seymour Blvd intersection
Location:
- Intersection of Mt Seymour Parkway and Seymour Blvd (next to Superstore)
Issues:
- Almost impossible to cross Mt Seymour Parkway (north to south) on Seymour Blvd to get to Superstore. Cyclists need to walk bikes across three pedestrian crosswalks to reach the other side.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Install camera so cyclists can trigger light.
Responsible Bodies:
- MoT
- DNV
Iron Workers Memorial (Second Narrows) Bridge
Location:
- Major connector route along Highway 1 between North Vancouver and Vancouver/Burnaby over Burrard Inlet.
Issues:
- Sidewalks are very narrow.
- Two cyclists going into the same direction cannot pass, which is a problem given the length and elevation gain of the bridge.
- Two way cycling is allowed where two cyclists or a cyclist and a pedestrian can't safely pass.
- Approaches and exits are dangerous and difficult.
- Way-finding signage to and from bridge is insufficient.
More details and background information are available on this page.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Wider riding path that allows cyclists to pass.
- Improved infrastructure to accommodate cyclists from all directions to safely reach objectives
- Better way-finding signage.
Responsible Bodies:
- MoT
- DNV
- City of Vancouver
- City of Burnaby
Aerial view of North End
Aerial view of South End
Looking up from North West end underneath IWMB
Overpass over Hwy 1 at Lynn Valley
Location:
- Lynn Valley Rd crosses under Hwy 1.
Issues:
- Getting from Lynn Valley to south of the Upper Levels Highway is difficult and dangerous.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- A safe and easy route is needed, preferably an overpass.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
- CNV
- MoT
City of North Vancouver
Signal at Lonsdale and 27th
Location:
Intersection of Lonsdale Ave and 27th St
Issue:
- 27th St is a designated bicycle route but the signal is only accessible to pedestrians on the north side of 27th St. If you are east bound on a bicycle then you must either chance a crossing on a notoriously busy street or cross 27th and ride up on the sidewalk to access the signal. This is dangerous and inconvenient.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Need a bike accessible signal button or sweet spot on the south side of 27th
Discussion
- This was introduced and briefly discussed at the March 2010 JBAC meeting. Response was "...that the City cannot afford this as a Capital item, but it could be done if there is re-development in the vicinity or when the lights need refurbishment."
Responsible Bodies:
- CNV
Two-way Cycling on 25th St
Location:
25th St next to the Upper Levels between Ridgeway Ave and Westview Dr
Issue:
- 25th St is a perfect connector between Westview Dr and the trail between Tempe Glen and 25th. Current designated bike route diverts to 27th which takes the rider several blocks out of his way and introduces hills.
- Creating a proper 2-way bike lane along 25th St makes the most sense for a connector route between Lynn Valley and Westview centres, which is one of the objectives of the Official Community Plan.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Lobby to get 2-way bike lanes along 25th St
Discussion
- This was discussed at the March 2010 JBAC meeting. The response was "...the City staff have been looking at this already and some designs are being drafted up."
- Jay MacDonald contact Daniel Watson at the City regarding the plans. Response was "We’re still in the conceptual design phase for west 25th Street and haven’t yet secured any capital funds allocated towards the project. I would like to hear your ideas though, if you have time please pass them on and we can add them to the mix."
Responsible Bodies:
- CNV
- MoT
Trail Connecting Tempe Glen Dr and 25th St (aka Bark Mulch Trail)
Location:
Between Tempe Glen Dr and 25th St next to the Upper Levels
Issue:
- The trail can get really muddy, overgrown and dangerous.
- Is part of a dedicated cycling route on the 2006 Bicycle Master Plan
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Needs to be improved, preferably with a gravel road grade or paved.
- Regular pruning back of vegetation is needed.
- Access at west end requires sidewalk riding - advocate for curb drops to enhance access.
Responsible Bodies:
- MoT
East Keith Rd Greenway
Location:
- East Keith Rd between Grand Boulevard and Mountain Highway (east of Keith bridge across Lynn Creek)
Issues:
- No bike route exists between Lynnmour, Keith-Lynn and Central Lonsdale. East Keith Road is the only road connection.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Bike lanes on East Keith Rd, at least between Lynn Creek and Hendry Ave, preferably to St Andrews Ave.
- Bike lanes and bike boxes at the following intersections:
- Keith Rd and Mountain Highway
- Keith Rd and Brooksbank Ave
Responsible Bodies:
- CNV
- DNV
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Brooksbank Ave
Location:
- Brooksbank Ave between East Keith Rd and Cotton Dr.
- The Park & Tilford shopping centre and many other services are located on Brooksbank Ave.
Issues:
- No infrastructure for cyclists on Brooksbank Ave or at the intersections with Keith Rd and Cotton Dr.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Bike boxes at intersections with Keith Rd and Cotton Dr.
- Bike lanes on Brooksbank Ave.
- Bike infrastructure would connect with bike lanes on Cotton Dr.
Responsible Bodies:
- CNV
West Vancouver
Marine Drive between Taylor Way, North Vancouver / Lions Gate Bridge
Location:
Section of Marine Drive between Taylor Way in the District of West Vancouver and Capilano Road in the District of North Vancouver / Lions Gate Bridge.
Issue:
This stretch of Marine Drive is one of the major conduits between West Vancouver and North Vancouver / Lions Gate Bridge. The current layout is dangerous. The new west bound Capilano river bridge is slated to include a 3.5m wide multi-use pedestrian/cycling pathway [1]. VACC-NS has initiated discussions with MOT to seek improvments to the bike plan. An email thread up to 19 August of discussions follows below.
Table of proposed improvements for cyclists - first drafted on 14 September 2010 and based on Group Ride on 9 September
Proposed Improvements for Cycling in the Vicinity of the North End of the Lions Gate Bridge (LGB)
Location and Proposed Improvements follow:
Spirit Trail at Bridge Road adjacent to Park Royal South
- Spirit Trail Etiquette sign and way finding signs to: Ambleside, North Vancouver, Capilano River Trail and Vancouver
Bridge Road and Taylor Way
- Road signs are needed
Bridge Road
- east end of bridge over river
- Install a pedestrian/bicycle crosswalk
Bridge Road
– beginning of ramp up to LGB
- Sign to Marine Drive East and one indicating that the ramp to the LGB is a 2-way multi-purpose path
Ramp up to LGB from Bridge Road
- Change to 2-way multi-purpose pathway and widen if necessary
Junction of ramp up to LGB and sidewalk to LGB
- Replace existing sign with one indicating two-way multi-purpose pathway and directional signs to Park Royal, West Vancouver and Marine Drive East
Sidewalk leading to the west side of LGB
- Widen to become a two-way multi-purpose pathway
- Install a safety barrier where the pathway is directly adjacent to the traffic lane or as an interim measure paint the curb on the top and the side
- Ensure sufficient lighting of the pathway
- Provide a better sloped access curb for cyclists from North Vancouver who choose to ride in the cloverleaf and cross traffic lanes coming from West Vancouver
Entry to the pedestrian underpass on the west side of the LGB
- Add to existing sign “Caution, two-way traffic, - cyclists please dismount”
- Sign to North Vancouver via Marine Drive East
Where the sidewalk currently joins the west-side LGB separated multi-use pathway
- Sign indicating one-way cycling traffic to Vancouver
- Move concrete bulwark to give more width and paint it
Entry to pedestrian underpass on east side
- Add sign “Caution, two-way traffic - cyclists please dismount”
- Sign to Vancouver and West Vancouver
Where the sidewalk currently joins the east-side LGB separated multi-use pathway
- No entry sign for cyclists
Sidewalk from the east side multi-use pathway on LGB to Marine Drive East
- Widen where required for a multi-use pathway and smooth out sudden descending grade change
- Install a safety barrier where the pathway is directly adjacent to the traffic lane or as an interim measure paint the curb on the top and the side
- Ensure sufficient lighting of the pathway
Shared roadway to Bridge Road below the LGB parallel to and just to the east of it
- Fix the drainage problem near Bridge Road
- Remove no entry sign at old gate and replace with shared car/bicycle sign and an official cars only sign
- Sign to North Vancouver via Marine Drive East
Marine Drive East from LGB to Capilano Road
- Include a marked bike lane with bicycle decals indicating eastbound traffic
- Bicycles as well as buses should be allowed in the right lane at the junction of Capilano Road and Marine Drive
- Route signs for cyclists to get to Capilano Road North from Marine Drive via McGuire Avenue
Marine Drive West from Capilano Road to the multi-use pathway leading to LGB
- Maintain existing marked bike lane
Multi-use pathway leading to the west side of LGB
- Remove graffiti from existing signs or replace them
- Sign to West Vancouver
- Bicycle route signs to Capilano Road bike lanes via Fullerton Avenue
- widen pathway where feasible
Junction of multi-use pathway leading to the west side of the LGB and sidewalk coming from Capilano Bridge Eastbound
- Widen and reduce steepness
- Install a protective barrier on the east side of the multi-use pathway at the junction to prevent cyclists from falling into the blackberry patch
- Move the existing sign to Vancouver and North Vancouver closer to the junction
Proposed multi-use pathway from the west end of new Capilano Bridge to Taylor Way
- Install a wheelchair accessible ramp down to 6th Street with way finding signs to Taylor Way at Clyde Avenue, Capilano River Trail, Park Royal South and the Spirit Trail
- Install a safety barrier where the pathway is directly adjacent to the traffic lane
- Ensure sufficient lighting of the pathway
Email thread with MOT about concerns 1-19 August 2010
Original Message -----
From: Thomas, James TRAN:EX To: hpscholefield@telus.net Cc: Choquette, Matt TRAN:EX ; Queen, David TRAN:EX Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2010 4:57 PM Subject: RE: Cycling Component - Capilano Project Hi Peter, I would like to echo Matt’s thanks for the interest you are taking and the feedback you have provided with regards to this project. I am sure you appreciate that the Ministry is only one of the organizations involved in this busy corridor and where possible any improvements that are made to the cycling routes will be tied into both the District of North Vancouver (DNV)and the District of West Vancouver’s (DWV)existing cycling network and the future expanded Spirit Trail. With that in mind I have addressed each of your points below. 1. The new multi-use pathway leading from the West end of the new Capilano Bridge – connects the Multi-use pathway to the vicinity of 6th Street – this is already in the construction contract for the bridge. 2. 4.3m Westbound shared car/bike lane - this is a continuation of the shared transit/bike lane from Tatlow Ave and is consistent with District of North Vancouver shared lanes within the corridor. 3. Narrowing of the Eastbound shared car/bike lane on Marine Drive – a new lane emerges at that point and the car/bike lane continues in that new lane. Again, this joins with and is consistent with District of North Vancouver shared lanes in this corridor. 4. Southbound pedestrian and cyclist access to the Lions Gate Bridge – this has previously been discussed and added to the project scope. 5. Designating the multi-use pathway from Bridge Road up to the Southbound bridge approach as multi-directional – your suggestion has been passed to the design team for consideration and will be incorporated if possible. 6. Multi-use pathways are multi-directional unless otherwise indicated as per Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) technical guidelines and the BC supplement to TAC. The pathway across the new Capilano Bridge will be multi-directional. 7. Bike capacity within the Cloverleaf itself – has been considered and will not be implemented due to safety concerns. 8. The Lions Gate Bridge pathways designated one-way for bike traffic – design is already well advanced. In addition to the above, the following improvements are also being undertaken: - Improved lighting on the multi-use pathway that follows the cloverleaf and passes under the Capilano Bridge to improve safety. - Improvements to the Northbound exit from the Lions Gate Bridge towards DNV. - Drainage issues at the Southern end of the Lions Gate Bridge are being investigated to prevent pooling of water in the Southbound lanes. An updated drawing that reflects the improvements highlighted above is currently being produced and I will forward a copy to you once I receive it. David Queen (Design and Construction Manager) and I will be happy to meet you on site to discuss these improvements. Once you have returned from your vacation please contact David or myself to arrange this. Please note that I will be on Vacation from Aug 20th, returning on Aug 30th. David is more than happy to meet you on site while I am away, otherwise we can organise this after Aug 30th. I trust this has addressed your concerns. I look forward to meeting you and discussing these issues on site. Kind regards James Thomas Project Management Technician Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Ph: (604) 775-1243 Fax: (604) 660-1826
From: Choquette, Matt TRAN:EX Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 9:16 AM To: 'Peter Scholefield' Cc: Thomas, James TRAN:EX; Queen, David TRAN:EX Subject: Cycling Component - Capilano Project Hi Peter – thanks very much for your feedback on our posted plan. James Thomas is working with me on the Capilano Project and will be taking a lead role in the cycling component. James will look into the matters addressed in your email and we will have a response ready for you when you return from holidays. Thanks again Matt Choquette Regional Project Manager Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 7818 Sixth Street Burnaby BC V3N 4N8 Phone - 604 660 8235 Fax - 604 660 1826 Matt.Choquette@gov.bc.ca
From: Peter Scholefield [2] Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 1:07 AM To: Choquette, Matt TRAN:EX Subject: Re: Old Capilano Bridge Replacement project Matt,
As the designated committee member (of the North Shore Committee of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition) focusing on the Lions Gate Bridge approaches, I want to thank you for your response which reminded me to check the website where I located the "Updated Drawing with Bike Plan" (http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/Old_Capilano_Bridge/docs/CapBridge_w_bike_plan.pdf). It shows the multi-use pathway running westward across the new Capilano Bridge then straight ahead and narrower, terminating at the point where the right-hand turn lane curves to take automobile traffic northward up Taylor Way. This is certainly suitable for those pedestrians heading to Park Royal or further into West Vancouver but it is the not best solution for cyclists who would have to contend not only with the narrowing of the multi-use pathway (planned to be 3.5m across the bridge) but also with automobile traffic at the busy intersection of Taylor Way and Marine Drive.
At our monthly meeting on 5 August, we discussed this planned exit from the new bridge and agreed that an improved solution for cyclists and pedestrians would be to add a wheelchair accessible ramp down onto 6th Street (or to the paved section of road adjoining 6th Street to the east). This would allow cyclists the option of proceeding to the intersection of Clyde Avenue and Taylor Way which is not as congested as Marine Drive and Taylor Way or of proceeding south underneath the new bridge along the Capilano River Trial to either join the Spirit Trail or to proceed directly into Park Royal South. A wheelchair accessible ramp would be also very convenient for pedestrians using the Capilano River Trail, seniors from the Capilano Care Centre and Amica at West Vancouver on Clyde Avenue and residents in the adjacent Water's Edge condos.
I think that I speak for many cyclists when I say how much we have appreciated the continuing efforts of the Ministry to improve bicycle access to and from the Lions Gate Bridge. This would include the widening of the Lions Gate Bridge itself and the bicycle paths and signage at the northern approaches to the bridge and now there is the planned 3.5m wide multi-use pathway on the new Capilano bridge. To help ensure that the planned improvements best meet the needs of cyclists, our committee would like to continue consultations with the Ministry on the whole Lions Gate Bridge approach plan as shown on the drawing. Here are concerns that we would like to discuss: 1. A 4.3m wide shared car/bike lane is shown running westward from Capilano Road to the Lions Gate Bridge cloverleaf. Currently, there is a clearly marked bike lane in addition to a sidewalk which we feel is much safer than a shared car/bike lane. A segregated bike lane would be even safer. 2. On the opposite side of Marine Drive, is shown another shared car/bike lane proceeding eastward from the Lions Gate Bridge to Capilano Road and a sidewalk. The shared lane starts out from the bridge at 4.3m wide then narrows to what looks like less than 1m then finally becomes 3m wide up to Capilano Road. Currently in this stretch there is no sidewalk and only a paved shoulder which provides ample room for cyclists and is separated by a white line from automobile traffic. It is excellent to see a sidewalk planned for this stretch but we don't feel that shared car/bike lanes are desirable or safe on major arterial roads such as Marine Drive. Instead, we would prefer to see a separate or segregated bike lane in this stretch. 3. The 3m to 3.5m wide multi-use pathway leading up to the west side of the Lions Gate Bridge is shown to terminate as it does currently at a 2m wide sidewalk which, closer to the bridge, narrows to a 1.2 m wide section before the intersection with the bicycle path coming up from Bridge Road. Approaching the entrance to the multi-use pathway on the bridge is extremely narrow and the concrete dividing the sidewalk and the pedestrian underpass path is grey and not very visible at night (see attached photo). Also, the edge of sidewalk is not clearly marked. Signage and some reflectors and yellow paint would help. Also, a fence would help prevent cyclists and pedestrians from falling onto roadway. It seems that there is enough space to make this sidewalk section wider to become a designated multi-use pathway for both cyclists and pedestrians. This would fill the gap in the multi-use pathway that exists between the one leading up to the west side of the Lions Gate Bridge and the one on the Lions Gate Bridge itself. 4. Also, currently on this sidewalk stretch, there is a directional sign indicating that cyclists should proceed straight ahead to get to Vancouver or turn right to go to North Vancouver (see attached photo). It seems logical that only those cycling from West Vancouver would want to follow the sign to North Vancouver. One option to get to North Vancouver from this sidewalk section would be to follow down the currently designated bicycle path signed for cyclists proceeding up to Lions Gate Bridge from Bridge Road. However the signage currently indicates no entry to cyclists on this path (see attached photo). The other option is proceed further on toward the bridge and follow the underpass pathway. However it is signed as a pedestrian underpass (see photo attached). The most bicycle friendly option would be the existing designated one-way bicycle path. Perhaps it could be re-designated as a two-way, multi-use pathway and replace the existing sign with another directional sign to North Vancouver at the junction of the current sidewalk section and the multi-use pathway connecting to Bridge Road. This would also permit its usage by pedestrians and wheelchair users as well. 5. The last point raises the question as to whether these multi-use pathways should be used for two-way bicycle traffic? Once the new Capilano Bridge is complete, it seems likely that pedestrians will be using the multi-use pathways in two directions. Cyclists may also wish to ride from West Vancouver to North Vancouver across the new Capilano Bridge bridge and along the multi-use pathway. A precedent has already been established on the recently completed Spirit Trail from the Capilano Bridge at Park Royal South to Ambleside which is a multi-use pathway that is 4.0m wide and accommodates two-way traffic. 6. A number of commuter cyclists approaching the Lions Gate Bridge from North Vancouver stay in the traffic lanes through the cloverleaf then, after crossing the Marine Drive overpass, merge through other West Vancouver traffic going onto Lions Gate Bridge to get onto the multi-use pathway on the bridge. I have heard that the main reason cyclists do this is not in the interest of speed (although this is certainly the motivation for some), but rather that the long path, around and under, is dangerous with cyclists and pedestrians heading in both directions around blind corners, but most importantly the road surface gets very slippery when it is wet and especially in the Fall when there are leaves all over it that are not cleaned up, so wipe-outs around the corners are not uncommon. I wonder if there could be a safer way to accommodate these commuter cyclists such as including a bike lane in the cloverleaf and perhaps coloured elephant lines and/or signage indicating that cyclists may be converging with other traffic going onto the bridge? 7. Finally, I wonder why there is signage on the east side of the bridge (see photo attached) but not on the west side on the north end advising users that there is two-way bike traffic and that cyclists should dismount when approaching others? My observation has been that cyclists proceed south across the bridge on the west side and northward on the east side of the bridge. Seeing that there are two multi-use pathways on the bridge and underpasses at each end of the bridge it would make sense, for safety reasons, that each pathway on the bridge should be one way only for cyclists. I wondered what you thought of the possibility of a few of us from the North Shore Committee of the VACC meeting with you and/or another Ministry official on site to discuss these concerns further? I will be on holidays for the next two weeks but hope to be in contact with you on my return.
Regards, Peter
Peter Scholefield, Vice-Chair, North Shore Committee, Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition C/O 1288 Esquimalt Avenue, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V7T 1K3 Tel: (604) 913-9090 Cell: (604) 762-6224; E-mail: hpscholefield@telus.net
On 01/08/2010 3:19 PM, Choquette, Matt TRAN:EX wrote: Isn't that what's in our plan now?
From: Peter Scholefield <hpscholefield@telus.net> To: Choquette, Matt TRAN:EX; yahoo >> VACC-NS Yahoogroups <VACC-NShore@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sun Aug 01 14:26:02 2010 Subject: Old Capilano Bridge Replacement project Hi Matt,
We are holding our next monthly meeting next Thursday and I would like to report on the status of planning for the approaches to and from the new bridge. At our last meeting on 8 July, it was suggested that a wheelchair accessible ramp off the bridge onto 6th Street in would be a possible solution. Regards, Peter
Peter Scholefield, Vice-Chair, North Shore Committee, Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition C/O 1288 Esquimalt Avenue, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V7T 1K3 Tel: (604) 913-9090 Cell: (604) 762-6224; E-mail: hpscholefield@telus.net
Southbound Access to Lions Gate Bridge
Location:
West side of the north end of Lions Gate Bridge
Issue:
Approach to the bridge narrows suddenly by a barricade with nothing to prevent rider from falling into traffic compounded in poor visibility conditions.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Low hanging fruit: put signs up to warn riders of narrow spot ahead and paint the barricade and curb top yellow for better visibility
- Long term objective: remove the barricade from the right side of the sidewalk and replace it with a fence that is built off of the walk itself (i.e. in the soil), thus reclaiming about 30cm of sidewalk.
Responsible Bodies:
- MoT
Bayridge and Mathers
Location:
description and google map?
Issue:
- Pave connector trail
NS-VACC Objectives:
- What do we advocate for it?
Responsible Bodies:
- DWV
11th Street at Marine Drive
Location:
11th Street at Marine Drive in West Van has a pedestrian crossing signal.
Issue:
This crossing light, which stops traffic for pedestrians crossing Marine Drive at 11th, is not accessible by cyclists. To access the button, cyclists traveling south on 11th must use the sidewalk from Esplanade down to be able to reach the switch.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Move the switch to a cycling friendly position on the curb, or create a let down on 11th so that cyclists can access the existing switch.
Responsible Bodies:
- DWV
Bridge between Ambleside and Park Royal
Location:
This is a small bridge between the fields at Ambleside and the western end of Park Royal South. It is often used by people parking in the Park Royal lot and using the fields in Ambleside.
Issues:
- The east side approach got very muddy and was repaired with a river gravel that does not compact and is treacherous on a bicycle.
- The approach trail is not wheelchair friendly and can get slick and muddy for bicycles.
- The parking lot gets used by people using the fields and crossing the bridge. There is a "desire line" that has worn down the grass directly from the lot to the bridge. There should be steps or similar put in to accommodate this traffic.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- The river gravel needs to be removed and replaced with proper road grade or crushed gravel that will compact correctly and not roll under the wheels of a bicycle.
- The approach trail should be regraded and covered with road grade or crushed gravel or, better yet, paved for wheelchair access.
- Steps from parking lot should be built.
Responsible Bodies:
- DWV
Entrance to Spirit Trail at Park Royal
Location:
Entrance to Spirit Trail off of Taylor Way extension at Wardance Road behind Park Royal Shopping Center in West Van
Google Map >> East End Spirit Trail Entrance at Park Royal
Issue:
Cyclists riding east toward the Lion's Gate Bridge must jump a curb to get from the trail end to the roadway. This might encourage cyclists to take the sidewalk, which is too thin for bikes and pedestrians and is fairly well used. Cyclists riding west from North Vancouver or the bridge toward Ambleside must either cross over oncoming traffic and lift their bike onto the path, or cross oncoming traffic and use the wheel chair let down about 50 meters west of this pictured location. Either way this is unsafe.
NS-VACC Objectives: We know that an extension of the trail will occur in conjunction with a new foot / cycle only bridge across the Capilano River. This will likely fix the problem. In the meantime, though put in a letdown off the trail onto Wardance Street.
Responsible Bodies:
- DWV
- Park Royal?
Spirit Trail at 13th/West Van
Location:
Corner of Ambleside Park Drive and Argyle and 13th Street in West Vancouver.
Google Map >> Spirit Trail West End Ambleside Park
Issue: The Spirit Trail empties out onto a three-way corner with poor site lines from the North down 13th. Drivers coming down 13th into Ambleside Park do not know that cyclists will be crossing here.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Cycling/Pedestrian crossing signs and asphalt paint showing a crossing so that drivers understand they need to slow down because a cyclist or pedestrian may be coming through.
- Raised path over roadway so drivers are more aware that they are crossing a trail
Responsible Bodies:
- DWV
14th Street at Duchess
Location:
North or southbound on 14th Street at Duchess in Ambleside, West Vancouver
Google Map >> Duchess and 14th St, West Vancouver
Issue:
Bad sight lines prevent cyclists travelling North or South on 14th St. from seeing oncoming traffic when it is coming from the West. To see traffic, a cyclist must be almost in the middle of the intersection. Cars tend to slow at this intersection which is good, however I can see a potential accident occurring at this intersection.
NS-VACC Objectives:
Move the stop signs to east west direction or make this a real 4-way stop.
Responsible Bodies:
- District of West Vancouver, Dept. of Transportation.
Upper Levels Capilano/Pacific entrance
Location:
description and google map?
Issue:
What is wrong?
NS-VACC Objectives:
What do we advocate for it?
Responsible Bodies:
Cleveland Dam crossing into British Properties
Location:
description and google map?
Issue:
What is wrong?
NS-VACC Objectives:
What do we advocate for it?
Responsible Bodies: