Hot Spots
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
Access to Capilano University and LSCR
Location:
Capilano University is between Lynn Creek and Seymour River, a short distance north of Mt Seymour Parkway. The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (LSCR) starts 3km north of Capilano University on Lillooet Road. There is also a residential neighbourhood west of Capilano University. This Hot Spot deals with cycling access to the area from the roads immediately to the south, between Lynn Creek and Seymour River (i.e. from Mt Seymour Parkway, Fern Street, and Mountain Highway between Fern Street and Keith Road).
Lillooet Road
Location:
- Lillooet Road is the only access road for motorized traffic headed for the university, the residential neighbourhood 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 cyclists (except road 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.
- When going south and downhill, it is difficult for cyclists to find the correct position on the road (lane number and width varies, shoulder in some places, curb extension near Old Lillooet Rd).
- Insufficient signage.
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.
- Traffic calming measures on Lillooet Rd between Mt Seymour Parkway and Monashee Dr to reduce speeding.
- Signage to destinations and other bike routes.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
- MoT
Old Lillooet Road
Location:
- Old Lillooet Road is the shortest route between the Lynnmour neighbourhood and retail stores on Main St and at Park & Tilford.
Issues:
- Steep wide road without any facilities for slow uphill cyclists.
- No connection between north end of Old Lillooet Rd and Lillooet Rd: north bound cyclists use sidewalk and then cross three lanes of Lillooet Rd.
- No signage for cyclists.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Bike lane north bound (uphill) on Old Lillooet Rd.
- Paved bike path between the north end of Old Lillooet Rd and Lillooet Rd.
- Cross walk with lights for bikes and pedestrians across Lillooet Rd near north end of Old Lillooet Rd.
- Signage to destinations and other bike routes.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
Keith Bridge and Highway 1 underpasses at Lynn Creek
Location:
- The bridge underpasses connect Keith Rd at Mountain Highway with Old Lillooet Road.
Issues:
- Entrances/exits too narrow for shared use (cyclists and pedestrian).
- Path not paved under Hwy 1 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 for cyclists.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Paving, widening of bridge underpasses at Lynn Creek.
- Cycling infrastructure south of bridge underpasses:
- Bike path or lane connecting the Hwy 1 underpass with Orwell St.
- Bike lane on Keith Rd.
- Bike or multi-use path through Seylynn Park and along Lynn Ck to Main St.
- Signage to destinations and other bike routes.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
Proposed 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 trail (pedestrians, cyclists).
Issues:
- The greenway has potential to improve access to Capilano University, the LSCR and the residences in the area, at least during day time. It will probably be too isolated for many cyclists if it runs along the hydro right-of-way.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- The greenway should be paved to Capilano University and be low grade.
- Improve cycling access to Superstore and connect well with the Mount Seymour Parkway bike route.
- Signage to destinations and other bike routes.
Responsible Bodies:
- 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.
- Southbound access from Dollarton requires crossing busy traffic on Highway 1 ramps and Main St.
- Northbound exit to Main Street requires crossing dangerous bridge off ramp at Dollarton.
- Southbound exit from west side of bridge requires riding down dangerous switchbacks, passing through tunnel then climb back up to Cassiar St.
- etc...
- Signage is insufficient
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Wider riding path that allows cyclists to pass.
- Improved infrastructure to accommodate cyclists from all directions to safely reach objectives
- Better signage on how to get to bridge and for destinations and bike routes from the bridge.
Responsible Bodies:
- MoT
- DNV
- City of Vancouver
- City of Burnaby
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 or tunnel.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
- CNV
- MoT
East Keith Rd
Location:
- East Keith Rd between Grand Boulevard and Mountain Highway (east of Keith bridge across Lynn Creek)
Issues:
- No bike route exists between the Lower Lynn area and Central Lonsdale. East Keith Road is the only road connection.
NS-VACC Objectives:
- Bike lanes on East Keith Road, at least between Lynn Creek and Hendry Ave but preferably to St Andrews Ave.
- Shared lane markings on Keith bridge across Lynn Creek until the bridge is widened.
Responsible Bodies:
- DNV
- CNV
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
West Vancouver
Marine Drive between Taylor Way and North Vancouver / Lions Gate Bridge
Location:
Section of Marine Drive between Taylor way and 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 lay out is dangerous. The new west bound Capilano river bridge is slated to include a cycling lane but current plans indicate only a 2.1m wide lane.
NS-VACC Objectives:
Responsible Bodies:
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:
description and google map?
Issue:
Bad sight lines Need fuller description
NS-VACC Objectives:
What do we advocate for it?
Responsible Bodies:
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: