ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TRANSIT, BICYCLES AND … · 4.1 Bus Shelter Prioritization: October 24, 2018 Subcommittee Meeting Summary Report – Christine Edward. ... • In late August

Doc # 1134105 ACTBiPed Agenda Page 1 November 21, 2018

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TRANSIT, BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS (ACTBiPed)

Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. Council Chamber & Chamber Meeting Room

City Hall AGENDA

1.0 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA & ADOPTION OF AGENDA

1.1 Additions to Agenda & Adoption of November 21, 2018

2.0 ADOPTION OF MINUTES

2.1. Adoption of the Minutes of September 19, 2018

3.0 PRESENTATIONS

3.1 22nd Street Station Renovation - TransLink

4.0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS

4.1 Bus Shelter Prioritization: October 24, 2018 Subcommittee Meeting Summary Report – Christine Edward.

5.0 NEW BUSINESS

5.1 2018 Transportation Work Plan Status Report – Stephen Blore

6.0 NETWORK UPDATES

6.1 No items.

7.0 REPORTS AND INFORMATION

7.1 Bus Shelter Prioritization: October 24, 2018 Subcommittee Meeting Summary Report (See item 4.1)

7.2 2018 Transportation Work Plan Status Report (see item 5.1)

Doc # 1134105 ACTBiPed Agenda Page 2 November 21, 2018

8.0 CORRESPONDENCE

8.1 Bike BC Letter 8.2 Letter from Walkers’ Caucus and HUB New Westminster regarding the

proposed pedestrian Intersection at 11th and Royal Avenue 8.3 Response Letter from the City to Walkers’ Caucus and HUB New

Westminster regarding the Proposed pedestrian Intersection at 11th and Royal Avenue

9.0 NEXT MEETINGS

TBD

10.0 ADJOURNMENT

Doc # 1134099 ACTBiPed Agenda Page 1 September 19, 2018

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TRANSIT,

BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS (ACTBiPed) Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at 5:30 p.m.

Council Chambers City Hall

MINUTES

VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillor Patrick Johnstone - Chair Véronique Boulanger - Committee Member Brad Cavanagh - Committee Member Roland Guasparini - Committee Member Charlie Hunter - Committee Member Reena Meijer Drees - Committee Member Robert Wong - Committee Member Finn Leahy - Student Representative Karon Trenaman - ICBC Representative Steven Beasley - Committee Member MEMBER REGRETS: Nadine Nakagawa - Committee Member STAFF: Stephen Blore - Senior Transportation Planner Tabitha Guichon - Recording Secretary GUESTS: Mary Wilson - Community Member The meeting was called to order at 5:32 pm. 1.0 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA & ADOPTION OF AGENDA

1.1 Adoption of the Agenda of September 19, 2018

MOVED and SECONDED THAT the Agenda of the Advisory Committee for Transit, Bicycles and Pedestrians meeting held on September 19, 2018 be received and adopted with the following additions: Item 4.6: Sub Committee Meeting (Stephen Blore), Item

Doc # 1274355 ACTBiPed Minutes Page 2 September 19, 2018

4.7:Meeting Spaces (Reena Meijer Drees), Item 4.8: 22nd Street Bus Loop (Véronique Boulanger)and Item 4.9: Motion to UBCM (Patrick Johnstone).

CARRIED. All members of the Committee present voted in favour of the motion.

2.0 ADOPTION OF MINUTES

2.1. Adoption of the Minutes of June 20, 2018

MOVED and SECONDED THAT the Minutes of the Advisory Committee for Transit, Bicycles and Pedestrians meeting held on June 20, 2018 be adopted.

CARRIED. All members of the Committee present voted in favour of the motion.

3.0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS 3.1 No items 4.0 NEW BUSINESS 4.1 2018 Pedestrian Crossing Program – Royal Ave & Eleventh St

Stephen Blore summarized the report, dated September 19, 2018 that was provided with the agenda material and provided the following information:

• Proposed pedestrian signal in the proximity of Royal Avenue & Eleventh

Street is being focussed on as the key pedestrian crossing measure for this year.

• Cost shared by TransLink, which required some additional road safety analysis.

In response to questions from the Committee, Stephen Blore, Senior Transportation Planner, provided the following information:

• The fenced medians are required as safety and compliance measures. The fence will run along the Royal Avenue median preventing pedestrians from crossing in different areas along Royal Avenue (between Stewardson Way and new signal). The fencing will be designed to maintain turn movements in/out of the Columbia Square Plaza and adjacent businesses.

• The vacant lot adjacent to 11th Street is owned by Metro Vancouver and will be used to build a major water main.


• The disused bus stop on Royal Avenue will be factored into the design stage of the project.

The committee provided the following suggestions:

• Invest in improvements to the aesthetics of the fence. • Work with the mall and adjacent property owners to make pedestrians

aware of where to go when they exit the mall. • Consider a low cost paint treatment for the mall driveway area. • Ensure the new pedestrian signal timing does not take a long time to change

cycle when activated. 4.2 2018 Bus Shelter Program – Stephen Blore

Stephen Blore summarized the report that was provided with the agenda material and provided the following information:

• 4 new bus shelters are being installed in 2018 in partnership with Pattison Outdoor Advertising.

• Reminded the committee that the bus shelter program will be an agenda item at the October 24th Sub-committee meeting to refine the process and criteria for achieving the MTP goals.

4.3 Tripp funding update – Stephen Blore

This is a Coast Mountain Bus Company initiative where they work with the city to provide accessibility improvements to TransLink stops throughout the region, with the projects requiring completion within the calendar year. Stephen Blore provided the following information:

• By the end of 2018, 94% of bus stops will be accessible, with the ultimate goal of 98%. The remaining 2% being unachievable because of the City’s topography.

In response to questions from the Committee, Stephen Blore provided the following information:

• A wheelchair accessible bus stop is achieved by having landing pads, curb ramps approaching the bus stop, sufficient space behind the platforms so that those can navigate around it getting on and off the bus stop.

The Committee provided the following suggestion:

• Consider a press release to share this success.

4.4 Brunette Fraser Regional Greenway Spot Improvements – Stephen Blore


Stephen Blore summarized the report that was provided with the agenda material and provided the following information:

• The City saw the opportunity to work with Metro Vancouver to improve some wayfinding, signage and line marking in the Braid Industrial Area.

• In late August Metro Vancouver opened the connection between Spruce Street and Cumberland Street, which was scheduled to be repaved in September. The city installed a new streetlight at Spruce Street, a new pedestrian crossing on Spruce Street, along with new wayfinding and line markings between Spruce Street and Braid Street.


• The new greenway connection is currently open at the foot of Cumberland Street and Spruce Street. Once the new Metro Vancouver pump station is complete, an additional greenway connection and parallel bridge over the Brunette River will open.

4.5 Stewardson Way Pedestrian Bridge – Stephen Blore Stephen Blore summarized the report that was provided with the agenda material and provided the following information:

• Working with MOTI on their designs for the new pedestrian and cyclist overpass at Stewardson Way.

• Due to the timing and turnaround that the Ministry has given, this did not allow for the detailed design to be brought to the committee for discussion.

• City Engineers have reviewed the drawing to ensure that it meets the needs of all users. Improvements were made to the lighting, the ramp configurations, and surface treatments.

• The City also intends on undertaking some spot improvements to enhance the approaches to the bridge.

• The project goes out for tender in the fall with completion required by March 2019.


• Staff reviewed the plans and provided feedback to MOTI to ensure that the radii of the turns are adequate for accessible users as well as cyclists.

The Committee discussed the following concerns in relation to the Stewardson Way bike path:


• Between Fifth Avenue & Fourteenth Street, there was a desire line created that SRY Railway owns that was used by most pedestrians and many cyclists. SRY recently put a fence up to prevent people from using that route. They have expressed concerns of liability. The City and TransLink are currently in discussions with SRY to reach an agreement.

• It was suggested to bring this to council so there is more leverage and to put more pressure and resources into whatever the next steps may be.

The following motion was passed: MOVED and SECONDED THAT the ActBiPed recommend that Council take whatever action necessary to expeditiously secure a safe multi-modal right of way along Stewardson Way Between 5th Avenue & 14th Street.

CARRIED All members present voted in favour of the motion. WHEREAS Stewardson Way pedestrian overpass is being built WHEREAS the recent action to restrict access to the right of way South of the skytrain pillars and, WHEREAS the sidewalk in this section of Stewardson Way is narrow and exposes active transportation users to high speed heavy traffic

4.6 Subcommittee Meeting – Stephen Blore

This meeting is scheduled for October 24 at 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Items that will be discussed are the Agnes Street Greenway & the Bus Shelters process & criteria review.

4.7 Meeting Spaces – Reena Meijer Drees

With the recent renovations of the library and closure of the buy low foods, there is no available free committee space for any activist groups. The suggestion is to get free city space for community groups. If anyone is a member of a group that can’t meet anywhere, please contact Reena.

4.8 22nd Street Bus Loop - Véronique Boulanger

The project delivery manager at Translink has advised that this has gone out to Tender and due to some complexity and additional scope with the project, work is planned to start later in the year or early 2019. Staff is meeting with TransLink on September 20th, 2018 and is proposing that TransLink report back to the committee with the project plans.


4.9 Motion to UBCM – Patrick Johnstone

Earlier in 2018, the ActBiPed committee and Council passed a motion that was sent to UBCM relating to Modernizing the Motor Vehicle Act. At the annual UBCM meeting, the motion was passed by UBCM.

5.0 REPORTS AND INFORMATION 5.1 2018 Pedestrian Crossing Program – Royal Ave & Eleventh St (see item 5.1) 5.2 2018 Bus Shelter Program (see item 5.2) 5.3 Tripp funding update (see item 5.3) 5.4 Brunette Fraser Regional Greenway Spot Improvements (see item 5.4) 5.5 Stewardson Way Pedestrian Bridge (see item 5.5) 6.0 CORRESPONDENCE 6.1 No items 9.0 NEXT MEETINGS Wednesday, November 21, 2018 10.0 ADJOURNMENT ON MOTION, the meeting was adjourned at 6:33 pm. Certified correct, PATRICK JOHNSTONE CHAIR

TABITHA GUICHON RECORDING SECRETARY

R E P O R T Engineering Services

To: ACTBiPed Committee Date: November 21, 2018 From: Christine Edward

Transportation Planning Analyst File: 16.3205.03

Item #: 4.1/7.1

Subject: Bus Shelter Prioritization: October 24, 2018 Subcommittee Meeting Summary Report

RECOMMENDATION THAT members of ACTBiPed receive this report for information and provide staff with clarity on where improving transit stop facilities fall within overall committee priorities for 2019 and beyond. PURPOSE This report is to provide the Committee an update about discussions had at the October 24 subcommittee meeting regarding the current status of the transit shelter program and opportunities to increase the number of shelters into the future. BACKGROUND A report on “Bus Shelter Prioritization” was presented to the ACTBiPed Committee on June 20th, 2018 to provide information about the current process for prioritizing bus shelter installation across the city. Feedback was received from the committee regarding the overall shelter implementation process including:

• Proposed selection criteria used to identify priority locations; • Suggestions for shelter design, function and prioritizing locations; and

City of New Westminster November 21, 2018 2

Doc # 1311301 Page 2

• Items for consideration when the Pattison Outdoor Advertising (POA) contract comes up for renewal in 2023.

Following discussion with the Committee, a Sub-Committee meeting was scheduled on October 24, 2018 to discuss the issues in more detail. Three committee members as well as the Committee Chair attended the session with staff. EXISTING POLICY/PRACTICE The City’s Master Transportation Plan (MTP) includes the following policy and action in relation to transit shelters:

• Transit Policy 3E - Provide Excellent Customer Facilities and Information o Action 3E.1: Develop a plan to prioritize and install transit shelters

throughout the City, with a target of having 75% of all feasible stops provided with adequate weather protection and seating by 2020.

Since, the ability to install new bus shelters each year is limited based on the current contract with POA, it has been identified that the City will not reach the 2020 target with current practices. ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION Currently, there are 248 transit stops and 58 shelters that exist in the city as outlined in Figure 1 and 2. Figure 1: Breakdown of total transit stops, shelters and feasible stops

Total transit stops 248 - 226 City - 22 TransLink, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI), Fraser Health

Authority

Total shelters 58 - 41 Existing/POA (includes 4 identified for 2018) - 9 Stations/TransLink - 2 City - 1 Public Art - 1 Private - A limited number of locations have seating or weather protection. Three locations

have weather protection and seating but are not captured in the total above.

Feasible stops 120 - A feasible stop is identified as a location with adequate space to accommodate a

standard bus shelter and available power supply nearby. - The total feasible stops does not include TransLink station or MoTI stop locations


Doc # 1311301 Page 3

Figure 2: Existing and future projection of shelters within the city with existing process

By the end of 2018, 16 shelters will have been installed through the POA contract. At a minimum, five more shelters are projected to be provided through the existing contract, for a total of 63 shelters by 2023. This is below the target of 75% of all feasible stops having adequate weather protection and seating by 2020 with a shortfall of approximately 30 shelters. The following comments were documented from the discussion at the Sub-Committee meeting:

• Consider standard ready-made shelters to be installed by the city to meet the shortfall;

• Consider alternative methods for creating, identifying or funding a new shelter design such as community group sponsorships or design competition;

• Consider programs such as “adopt a shelter” to raise funds needed for a city-installed shelters;

• Provide advertising opportunities for the City or a community bulletin board in city-installed shelters;


Doc # 1311301 Page 4

• Utilization of future shelters as an industrial design exercise. Consider working with industrial design school or group to explore if a shelter could be created and constructed at a lower cost, (e.g., $5,000); and

• Confirmation that locations with weather protection and seating can be included in the overall total of shelters

QUESTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF ACTBiPed:

1) Can the committee provide clarity on where improving bus stop facilities including shelters (weather protection and seating) may fall within overall identified priorities for 2019 and beyond?

Doc # 1309495

R E P O R T Engineering Services

To: ACTBiPed Committee Date: November 21, 2018 From: Stephen Blore

Senior Transportation Planner File: 16.3217.10

Item #: 5.1/7.2 Subject:

2018 Transportation Work Plan Status Report

RECOMMENDATION THAT the ACTBiPed Committee receive this report for information. PURPOSE The purpose of this report is to provide the ACTBiPed Committee with a summary of the status of the 2018 Transportation team work plan. BACKGROUND At the February 7, 2018 ACTBiPed Committee meeting, staff presented a draft outline of the work that the Transportation section planned to accomplish in 2018. A commitment was made at that time to report back to the Committee at the end of the year on the outcomes of each of the items identified.


Doc # 1309495 Page 2

DISCUSSION Provided in the following table is a summary of the 2018 work plan and status: CATEGORY ITEM CONTEXT OUTCOME by year-end

WALKING / PEDESTRIAN

Accessibility Improvements

Curb letdowns; spot improvements; remove barriers to walking and transit for seniors and people with disabilities

• 3 new curb ramps • 11 retrofitted curb ramps • Collaborated on the Great Streets

for Seniors Study


Sidewalk Improvements

Sidewalk installation and improvements

• Phillips Street (Ewen Ave – Canil Ave)

• Howes Street (Ewen Ave – Salter Street)

• Salter Street (Howes Street – Hampton Street)

• Ewen Ave (phase 3) complete


Walking Infrastructure Improvements

Improve walking connectivity; parklet installation; public realm improvements; and lighting

• Phase 1 of new Parklet in Brow of the Hill. Phase 2 on-hold by adjacent property owner.

• New Street Lighting tendered for Boyd Street (QB Bridge to Ewen Ave) and 10th Ave (20th St – 12th St)


Pedestrian Crossing Improvement Program

Design and installation of new/ improved pedestrian crossings

• Design & tendered the pedestrian activated signal on Royal Avenue adjacent to 11th Street. Construction 2018/19

CYCLING/ GREENWAY

Rotary Crosstown Greenway Improvements

various spot improvements • Installation new bike racks at 6th Street

• Listen & learn open house about experiences since the changes were made (5th-8th St) in 2017

• Applied for grant funding for a serious of improvements identified in HASTE Report, Connaught Heights Traffic Calming Plan, and Sapperton/MVH Transportation Plan in future years

CYCLING/ GREENWAY

Cycling and Greenway

Complete gaps in the network; improvements for

• Worked with Metro Vancouver to provide connection between


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Network Improvements

safety, comfort and convenience. Expand and complete major greenways

Cumberland St and Spruce Street (BFRG)

• Spot improvements along to BFRG to support new Metro Vancouver Connection – crossing, lighting, wayfinding

• Developed the draft Downtown Bike Network as part of the Downtown Transportation Plan

• Developed the Agnes Greenway cross sections and design intent as part of the Downtown Transportation Plan

• Worked with MOTI to facilitate greenway connections to/from the new Pattullo Bridge

• Worked with MOTI to design the new pedestrian/cycle bridge across Stewardson Way (construction starting Nov 2018)

CYCLING/ GREENWAY

BFRG Braid Street Section

Phase 2 construction. Grant funding approved by Transport Canada

• Construction of the Greenway completed between Canfor St and the rail crossing.

• Watermain replacement tendered for construction

• Phase 3 of construction scheduled for 2019 following watermain replacement and permitting from rail companies.

CYCLING/ GREENWAY

Central Valley Greenway Improvements

Detailed design for improvements to the route between Cumberland and Debeck St, as identified in the Sapperton/ MVH Transportation Plan

• Detailed design commenced as part of a Great Street design exercise along East Columbia St.; on-hold until RCH Transportation Study is complete in late 2018/ early 2019. Carry over into 2019.

CYCLING/ GREENWAY

Waterfront Section of BFRG (Pier to Landing)

Conceptual Design Study • Conceptual design for ‘floating walkway’ completed and endorsed by Council

• Advancing detailed design, actively seeking partner funding, and planning for construction of components that would not be impacted by Pattullo Replacement project.


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TRANSIT Bus Stop Improvements

Spot improvements to bus stops; bus benches; sidewalk connections to transit

• Six bus stops retrofitted to be wheelchair accessible

TRANSIT Bus Shelters Public art shelter in Queensborough; preparation for new Patterson shelters

• Installation of public art bus shelter on Ewen Ave (near Howes St)

• 4 new Pattison bus shelter installations

TRANSIT Transit Priority Identifying and designing bus priority measures

• Bus priority measures identified in Sapperton Transportation Plan (advanced through Great Street design) & Draft Downtown Transportation Plan.

• Ongoing dialogue with TransLink on Bus Speed & Reliability grants funding for projects.

RAIL Railway Improvements

Whistle Cessation Initiative and other rail crossing upgrades

• Quayside Drive - construction • Ewen Avenue – Technical analysis • Duncan& Furness Streets –

Technical analysis

MANAGED ROADS

Road Safety Improvements

Implementation of Intersection Safety Study. Spot improvements for road safety.

• Completed short term measures in ISS.

• Progressing on completing medium-long term measures in ISS

• Spot improvements made around schools and Greenways

MANAGED ROADS

Street Lighting Improvements

Upgrade/ replacement/ maintenance to address deficient areas city-wide.

• Replacement of Street lights on 10th Avenue designed and tendered in 2018, implementation in 2019

• Design for street lighting along Boyd Street designed and tendered in 2018, implemented in 2019.

MANAGED ROADS

Traffic Signal Installation and Improvements

Detailed design and full replacement of aging traffic signals

• 6th Ave/ 2nd Street designed and tendered in 2018, construction into 2019

• E. Columbia/ Holmes Street designed and tendered in 2018, construction into 2019

MANAGED ROADS

Boyd/Duncan signal

Access improvements required for nearby developments in Queensborough

• Detailed design in 2018, construction in 2019.


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MANAGED ROADS

Pavement Management

Various Locations – pavement rehabilitation

• 20th Street • Stewardson Way • Lower & Central Sapperton • Braid Street

MANAGED ROADS

McInnes/ Carnarvon Signal

Owner at 1000 Quayside Dr. required to install a signal prior to occupancy

• To be constructed as off-site requirement by developer in 2019

GREAT STREETS

6th Street Great Street

Undertake a design for 6th St public realm (front St. – 10th Ave) in support of MTP.

• 6th Street planning and design deferred to 2019.

• Require Uptown Review to inform and respond to current and future needs in the area in advance of design.

GREAT STREETS

E. Columbia Great Street

Design Guidelines in support of RCH redevelopment

• Detailed design commenced as part of a Great Street design exercise along East Columbia St.; on-hold until RCH Transportation Study is complete in late 2018/ early 2019. Carry over into 2019.

OTHER PROJECTS

Signal Timing Reviews and Corridor Studies

Pilot Project on Columbia Street for data collection, conflict analysis, origin/destination analysis, travel time reliability, and optimization. Signal timing review at various locations

• Miovision Pilot on Columbia Street • Signal timing adjustments in

response to road closures/ diversions resulting from construction or special events

• Pedestrian Clearance Strategy

OTHER PROJECTS

Transportation Studies/ Programs

Connaught Heights; Sapperton, Massey-Victory Heights; Queens Park; Downtown

• Completed Connaught Heights TCP • Completed the Sapperton/ MVH

Transportation Plan • Completed the Queens Park TCP • Downtown Transportation Plan

continuing into 2019. • Queensborough Transportation

Plan deferred to future year.

OTHER PROJECTS

Sapperton/ MVH Transportation Plan

Implement measures identified in the Plan

• Paving, speed humps & traffic circles in lower Sapperton.

OTHER PROJECTS

Connaught Heights Traffic Calming Plan

Implement measures identified in the Plan

• Implemented closure of London Ave near 20th Street

• Designed new traffic circles and pedestrian crossing enhancements – construction in 2019


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• Applied for grant funding to extend new sidewalks and lighting up 21st Street and along 9th Ave.

OTHER PROJECTS

McBride Corridor Study

(10th Ave – Memorial Dr.) Safety, transit priority, and network optimization

• Underway in coordination with New Westminster Aquatic and Community Centre development. Carry over into 2019

OTHER PROJECTS

22nd Street Station Master Plan

Provide technical review and advice to inform the development of the Master Plan as identified in the OCP update

• Undertake technical analysis to inform Master Plan – carry over into 2019.

OTHER PROJECTS

Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project

Undertake various technical assessments from City’s perspective to mitigate impacts

• Urban Integration design reviews and workshops

• Master Municipal Agreement negotiations

OTHER PROJECTS

Development Reviews

Review and condition developments to implement measures to meet the goals of the MTP

• Provided advice on all new development applications to design and provide for all modes of transportation

• Worked with Bosa Properties to provide new pedestrian & cyclist overpass connecting 6th Street to the riverfront.

OTHER PROJECTS

Major Projects Technical review and advice to advance the transportation goals in the MTP

• New Westminster Secondary School

• New Westminster Aquatic and Community Centre

• Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment

OTHER PROJECTS

Q to Q Pilot ferry Service

Pilot included design review of dock replacement, provisions for improved accessibility compared with demonstration ferry service

• Pilot Ferry Service in 2018, with Council endorsement to extend service into winter 2018/19

• Permitting challenges with improving accessibility

• Continued monitoring and evaluation

OTHER PROJECTS

Uptown Review Engage consultant to undertake multimodal review of uptown to provide staff with framework to inform/guide upcoming projects

• Underway, completion in early 2019.

• Will inform 6th Street Great Street and Rotary Crosstown Greenway Ultimate Design.

• Will inform current and future


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developments

OTHER PROJECTS

Speed Hump Policy

Work with NTAC to develop Policy & process to address speed hump requests

• Completed work with NTAC over 2018 to develop framework for Speed Hump Policy.

OTHER INITIATIVES

Sustainable Transportation Promotion & Enabling

Funding for initiatives to promote active transportation and demand management as per corporate and community plans

• Outreach and engagement in schools – Ride the Road bike training

• Promotion during Bike to Work Week

• Great Streets for Seniors • Walk 30 challenge • Transportation Exhibit at the Anvil

Centre Museum • Newcomers Fair outreach

OTHER INITIATIVES

Responding to Action Requests and other comments, questions and requests from members of the community

Comments and questions are received on an ongoing basis through various means, including the Transportation Action Request form on the City’s website, email, phone calls, visits to Engineering Services and correspondence with members of Council

• To date, more than 450 individual comments, questions and requests have been investigated and responded to.

CONCLUSION Staff reviewed the 2018 Work Plan and provided in this report as a summary of the projects and other initiatives which were undertaken. The majority of planned projects were completed, in addition to initiatives that were not anticipated, such as the Speed Hump Policy and Uptown Review. Some projects were started, but have not yet been completed, with one item that remains to be initiated.

Proposed Pedestrian Intersection at 11th and Royal – observations

Reena Meijer Drees and Mary Wilson, Walkers’ Caucus

Andrew Feltham, HUB-New Westminster

Oct 20 2018

Photo 1: aerial view of site

Mary Wilson and Reena Meijer Drees of Walkers’ Caucus and Andrew Feltham of HUB-New West took a

walk around the area of the proposed crossing near Royal Ave and 11th Street. The following are some

observations:

1. There is high demand for a pedestrian crossing across Royal at this point. We spent 30 minutes

on the site and witnessed at least a dozen people crossing Royal, in both directions. While some

walkers are bound for the liquor store, the bulk of the foot traffic appears bound for the main

body of the mall area, and heads for the loading bay entrance (designated by the yellow star in

photo 1).

2. The traffic lights at Stewardson and Royal are timed with the uphill lights at 12th and Royal so

that lulls in traffic along Royal occur on a repeatable basis. It’s at these times that foot traffic

makes the dash across.

3. There are only very few vehicles that turn right off of Stewardson (red star). A few more cars

come out of the liquor store driveway and turn up the hill, and most come out of 11th and turn

left to go up the hill. These vehicles also “make the dash” when the lights create the lull in traffic

and hence create conflict with pedestrians.

4. There is a strong desire path diagonally across the empty lot on the corner of 11th and Royal.

People come in and out of the loading bay area, cross, and head diagonally across the lot (see

yellow line in photo 1 and photo 2).

5. The sidewalk along the bit of road leading into the shopping complex via the loading bays is

woefully substandard (see photo 3). It is far too narrow and blocked by pipes, etc. Due to the

narrow width, the sidewalk is unusable by anyone with a stroller or mobility device; these

people use the roadway. In addition, the sightlines are very poor. This section is extremely

dangerous for pedestrians. The sidewalk at the liquor store entrance is better, see photo 4.

Photo 2: desire path for pedestrians across empty lot

Photo 3: dangerous route into the shopping complex via loading bays

Photo 4: sidewalk into complex via liquor store, seen from Royal

We would like to propose two options for a pedestrian crossing, based on our observations.

Proposal 1:

Situate a pedestrian crossing at 11th and Royal at the side near Champagne Taste décor, see photo 5. A

crossing at this point leads pedestrians to a comfortable sidewalk. Since lulls in traffic happen naturally,

what is required is a method for keeping the intersection clear (ex. paint on road like around firehalls, or

twinned lights like at the railway crossings at Braid & Brunette). The only conflict is cars turning right

from Stewardson onto Royal; however, this appears to be very low volume, and we propose eliminating

this turn altogether. The bulk of the traffic from 11th appears to be turning left – uphill on Royal - so a

crossing on the downhill side of 11th would not conflict. Similarly, the traffic coming out of the liquor

store is going up the hill on Royal (and in fact should be prevented from attempting to turn left onto

Roya,l as space is too tight).

Cyclists coming out of the driveway and wishing to cross to 11th would have to dismount, walk across

Royal and then also cross the mouth of 11th before resuming their route. Those coming out of 11th would

simply cross with the pedestrians. In practice, dismounting would be avoided so “elephant foot

crossings” would be the preferred option.

Photo 5: Location of pedestrian crossing, proposal 1

Proposal 2:

Situate the intersection closer to the loading bay driveway, as suggested by the City (dashed line in

photo 1). In some ways, this aligns with the desire path of the pedestrians; however, the condition of

the path that walkers are being led on to is very poor and difficult to improve.

- Where most pedestrians are headed - the sidewalk along the loading bay - is on private mall

property and it is therefore unclear if it will be improved. Most pedestrians will continue to

use this route regardless. They will most certainly strongly resist a dogleg to the liquor store

and then another dogleg to the grocery store!

- The “desire path” diagonally across the empty lot is not permanent, unless steps are taken

by the City to ensure it will be there once the lot is developed.

- Those pedestrians bound for the liquor store will be forced to do a “dogleg”, which they will

resist, and it’s likely that guerilla-style crossings at 11th will continue.

To prevent the guerilla crossings, the City has proposed a barrier or fence across Royal. We as

pedestrians and cyclists strongly oppose fencing as a way of keeping those on foot “in line”. Barriers

send completely the wrong message to the active transportation community; namely, “the car is king”.

We abhor them! We note that such a barrier will also prevent cars from turning uphill onto Royal from

11th. In our short time observing traffic at this location, that is exactly what most of the cars on 11th were

doing, so such a barrier would be even less popular with motorists than with pedestrians.

The loading bay road into the Mall is a danger zone for pedestrians. Creating a crossing which expressly

funnels pedestrians into this area is not advisable, unless improvements are made. We would suggest

blocking access to the parking lot for cars at this location, enabling trucks to access the loading bays but

eliminating vehicle traffic in and out of the Mall parking area. This then provides space to widen the

sidewalk to proper standards. We note that cars still have multiple routes in and out of the parking lot,

so would be slightly inconvenienced at the cost of much increased pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Cyclists use 11th and cut through the mall area to connect to Carnarvon (the most comfortable slope up

the hill). So, this crossing location is problematic, as it is mid-block. If no new infrastructure (ie. bike

lanes) is provided, cyclists will use the sidewalk (as is legal), but the longer distance to the crossing point

(vis a vis proposal 1) means more opportunity for conflict with pedestrians. The entire stretch from the

loading bay driveway to 11th, on both sides of the road, would have to be reworked to accommodate

cyclists.

11/15/2018 File No.: 16.3210.15

Reena Meijer Dreis and Mary Wilson Walkers’ Caucus

Andrew Feltham HUB New Westminster

BY EMAIL

Dear Reena, Mary and Andrew,

Proposed pedestrian intersection at 11th and Royal Ave. letter of Oct 20th 2018

Thank you for your letter outlining a series of observations relating to this proposed intersection. Below is an outline of the City’s rationale for its’ current design iteration, in a context of the constraints in the area and longer-term opportunities that may still exist there.

As you observed, pedestrian and cyclist access to Columbia Square Plaza is defined by opportunistic jaywalking that happens during breaks in the vehicle traffic going to and from Stewardson Way and Royal Ave, in addition to local use of 11th St. Pedestrians use the loading zone alley next to Save-On Foods to access Columbia Square, which is unsuitable for pedestrians. Under these conditions, the City’s primary goal is to improve pedestrian safety in the area.

The City has tried to keep as close as possible to the desire line of pedestrians who want to access Columbia Square; however the proposed pedestrian crossing needs to be far enough away from the existing Royal Ave and Stewardson Way intersection in order to avoid scenarios where vehicles passing through one intersection are suddenly needing to stop at the other, potentially worsening pedestrian safety issues. The short distance to the Royal Ave and Stewardson Way intersection would also create signal-timing issues between the two intersections, which would impact traffic flow and then cause further risk to pedestrians. The median fence is needed to reinforce use of the new intersection as soon as this is built, because the need to stop unexpected and uncontrolled jaywalking across an extended section of Royal Ave is acute and currently presents a liability issue for the City. In addition to the pedestrian signal, pedestrians will be given a higher profile on Royal Ave with the addition of advanced warning flashers upstream along Royal Ave for westbound traffic.

The median and fencing along Royal Avenue is also intended to restrict left-turning traffic, as they have been documented to be resulting in crashes and higher crash risk.

Walkers’ Caucus and HUB New Westminster Proposed Pedestrian Intersection at 11th Street and Royal Ave.

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As the City does not own the loading zone alley by Save-On-Foods, businesses were consulted about the possibility of making improvements there but no interest was expressed to change anything at this time, unfortunately. There has been an engagement process about this project, which included the following:

• Stakeholder engagement carried out by City staff on Sept 13th 2018, involving a letter sent to business owners and in-person survey questions. The aim was to inform businesses of the upcoming pedestrian crossing implementation, the reasons for the project and associated benefits and impacts

• An Information Report sent to the ActBiPed Committee for comment on Sept 19th 2018. Feedback was received from ActBiPed and passed to the City team on Sept 24th

This project is now at 75% design submission stage and the technical design is being finalized. A next step will be to communicate it to stakeholders prior work starting provisionally later in November 2018. The feedback received from ActBiPed is being reviewed currently (such as looking at how to improve the aesthetics of the median fence). Improving the longer term connectivity of this area to the BC Parkway is also already underway, as part of the Downtown Transportation Plan. Yours truly,

Kanny Chow, M. Eng, P. Eng, PTOE Transportation Engineer Enclosure cc: Lisa Leblanc Manager, Transportation Stephen Blore Transportation Planner Doc # 1312816

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TRANSIT, BICYCLES AND … · 4.1 Bus Shelter Prioritization: October 24, 2018 Subcommittee Meeting Summary Report – Christine Edward. ... • In late August

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