Dear Editor,
Re: “Cyclist’s open letter to Mayor Brodie,” Letters, Nov. 18.
I am pleased to offer comments in response to the letter from Geordie McGillivray published in the Nov. 18 edition of the Richmond News, in which the writer cites several areas of concern for cyclists in Richmond. Overall, I wish to stress that the safety of cyclists anywhere in the city is of paramount importance. Richmond wishes to extend its cycling network while protecting the cyclists.
Westminster Highway at CN Rail Crossing (east of No. 9 Road)
The City of Richmond (city) capital project to widen Westminster Highway (Nelson Road-McMillan Way) to four lanes and provide a multi-use path on the south side triggers a federal requirement to upgrade the existing roadway-railway crossing to provide a warning system (i.e., gates, bells and flashing lights). The city’s roadworks are on hold pending the completion of the crossing upgrade by CN Rail. The city is working with CN Rail to facilitate this work, which is expected to commence in early 2017.
Off-Street Path on Westminster Highway (No. 6 Road-No. 8 Road)
Unfortunately, the typical width of Westminster Highway in this section makes it difficult to establish an on-street bike lane in each direction. The off-street path best provides pedestrian and cycling facilities that are protected from vehicle traffic.
Regarding the visibility between vehicles coming out of driveways and path users, it should be noted that the hedges and trees are on private property. When necessary, the city trims the growth in order to prevent encroachment into the right-of-way but cannot require removal. The city is examining potential options to alert both parties. Suggestions to date include adding “Cyclist Crossing” signage facing motorists coming out of the driveways; adding a white stop bar at the south edge of the path to remind motorists coming out of the driveways; and/or adding a large green painted bicycle symbol on the path in front of each driveway. Hopefully, with heightened awareness, all are better protected from tragic incident.
River Road between No. 6 Road and the eastern end
The city plans to analyze signalization of the River Road-Westminster Highway intersection to determine if a traffic signal is warranted. Yet, such signals may encourage more motorists to use River Road. More vehicular traffic could be undesirable given the roadway’s popularity with cyclists, particularly on weekends.
The city also plans to analyze the entire length of this section of River Road in order to determine the feasibility of establishing paved shoulders. This analysis would consider whether continuous shoulders on both sides are possible given the physical constraints of the dyke, the Fraser River on the north side and the large southside watercourse.
The section of River Road with the existing 30 km/h speed limit and the installation of speed humps was established only with the support of local area residents. Extending the 30 km/h zone and installing more speed humps could be accomplished following similar verified support from the area’s residents and businesses.
Highway 99 Northbound Off-Ramp (Rice Mill Road-Steveston Highway)
This roadway section is within the sole jurisdiction of the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, not the city. The suggestion for the off-ramp has been forwarded to the ministry to determine if interim improvements can now be undertaken prior to the completion of the planned new bridge.
Richmond Active Transportation Committee
Richmond’s Active Transportation Committee is an advisory committee to city council with a mandate which includes providing input and feedback to the city on infrastructure projects designed for cycling. It meets regularly to undertake various activities in co-operation with the city that encourage, educate and raise awareness of all forms of active transportation.
Richmond city council and staff are pleased to work with various residents and groups to make sure that any cycling activity in the city is carried out safely and with the interests of all in mind.
Malcolm D. Brodie
Mayor
