Letter to the Editor regarding DNV and JBAC

The following letter was sent to the editor at the North Shore News on February 8th, 2011 regarding our concerns about the District pulling out of JBAC:

Dear Editor,

Cycling represents the fastest growing transportation mode in the City of Vancouver, where bike lanes and a coordinated cycling network promote and facilitate cyc ling. The three North Shore municipalities have all committed to increasing the number of trips made by bicycle to encourage healthy, livable and sustainable communities. However, the built cycling infrastructure remains patchy and does little to encourage North Shore residents to shop, commute to work, visit the library, or ride to school on a bicycle.

The North Shore Committee of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition specifically questions the District of North Vancouver’s (DNV) decision to no longer participate in the North Vancouver Joint Bicycle Advisory Committee (JBAC) at a time when it is reviewing the North Vancouver Bicycle Master Plan in concert with the City of North Vancouver. The JBAC was the only official public forum for coordinated bicycle network planning on the North Shore. While most municipalities focus more resources on active transportation by establishing public advisory committees and dedicating staff to walking and cycling, DNV is signaling flagging support.

Recent improvements to bike routes in the DNV, including bike lanes on Capilano Road and bike lane widening on Mount Seymour Parkway, are excellent, but fragments of a larger plan. The North Vancouver Bicycle Master Plan contains many route improvements and infrastructure standards that require ongoing review, prioritization and funding. JBAC reviews have stood as the principal means of obtaining focused cyclist input critical to the timely implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan.

Without strong support from all councils involved, staff and residents, the North Vancouver Bicycle Master Plan will always remain that, a plan. We strongly encourage the DNV to reconsider their participation in JBAC. The North Shore Committee of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition would willingly continue to contribute to JBAC’s successful ongoing operation.

Jay MacDonald, Chair,

Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition, North Shore Committee