Final bike lane touches should be done this spring

changing the timing of signals to address traffic congestion; installing flexible posts to highlight the visibility of concrete medians; upgrading street lighting with new LED fixtures along Sixth Street; and installing on-street wayfinding signage to highlight accesses to off-street parking for properties where it’s not clearly visible

Staff is also planning an event to celebrate the completion of the project, likely in June

Mike Anderson, the city’s manager of transportation, said the measures being recommended are quite consistent with those suggested by business representatives in the city’s previous outreach. He said the city doesn’t have a firm date on when the project will be 100 per cent complete because the work is weather-dependent, but the contractor should be able to complete the project this spring.

“They were delayed through the winter. But the weather was adequate enough to install the pavement markings last week,” he said. “We will also be inspecting the signage that’s been installed, just to make sure that there’s clear and sufficient signage in place to enable enforcement activities.”

Coun. Daniel Fontaine had a number of questions for staff about the project, such as asking if the city is monitoring how many trips are taking place in the bike lanes.

“In discussion with some of the local businesses, they’re still reporting, as of last week, that that particular lane is not getting used, perhaps not at all, but it’s definitely not being used to its maximum capacity,” he said.

Anderson said the project is still incomplete so the city hasn’t started to collect data.

“There’s still some signage and pavement markings to be installed before we officially complete the project and open the bike lanes officially. And once that’s happened, we will begin monitoring usage, likely this spring, once the project is actually complete,” he said.

Coun Nadine Nakagawa said she took a spin on the bike lanes last weekend when visiting several shop on Sixth Street

“I’m a fair-weather cyclist So when the sun comes out, my bike comes out,” she said “I do expect to see me more on those on those bike lanes ”

How does Newwest stack up?

The report summarized some of the things being done in other communities, including Burnaby, Calgary, Portland, Edmonton, NorthVancouver and Toronto, regarding engagement processes and mitigation measures related to bike lanes

City of NewWestminster staff learned that other municipalities have implemented very few physical mitigation measures to address concerns expressed by businesses, said the report Mayor Patrick Johnstone said it’s always good to hear how other municipalities are managing the issue

“As every municipality is sort of moving in this direction, it is interesting to hear what their experience is and to learn from that because we don’t have to invent the wheel every time,” he said Nakagawa said it was great to see the “extraordinary amount” of public engagement that went into this project, even compared to larger municipalities like Calgary She said the city continues to have conversations about ways to make this project better

“I just want to express my gratitude for this report And I’m looking forward to seeing how well the bike lanes are used once they do open up,” she said “Keep an eye out for me on my pink bike as I cruise along ”