Canada Line Pedestrian Bike Bridge now open

While the Canada Line rail transit system will be welcoming commuters on Monday, a new link in making cycling a viable alternative to the private automobile is now open.



The Canada Line Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge opened this afternoon, as TransLink CEO Tom Prendergast, Geoff Meggs, Deputy Mayor of the City of Vancouver, and Ken Johnston, Acting Mayor of the City of Richmond, met at the middle of the span across the Fraser River.



The bridge was built as an additional feature requested by the Board of Directors as plans for the Canada Line were being prepared.  TransLink funded the $10 million cost of the project, which is attached to the Canada Line guideway, with access ramps from South Kent Street in Vancouver and River Road at Van Horne Way in Richmond.



“This bridge represents a vital part of our integrated transportation network in Metro Vancouver,” said Mr Prendergast.  “If people in the region are to take cycling seriously as a commuting option, they need to have proper infrastructure in place.”



"By connecting Vancouver’s bike network with Richmond’s over the North Arm Bridge, cycling is no longer an option just within municipalities, but across them,” says Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.  “We’re now seeing a real regional bike network.  This bridge moves us that much closer to our goal of becoming the greenest city.

”

Richmond Acting Mayor Johnston agrees.  "The Canada Line Bike Bridge fits perfectly with the City of Richmond's priority to offer healthy, convenient and sustainable transportation choices.  In addition to providing a safer and easier crossing of the North Arm of the Fraser River for cyclists and pedestrians, the bridge will seamlessly link our transit- and pedestrian-oriented city centre, where residents live, work and play, with no car needed. We invite everyone to cross the bridge, on foot, on bike, or by Canada Line, into Richmond - a great street and a
great city awaits.

"

TransLink makes significant investments each year in cycling infrastructure.  The Central Valley Greenway, a 24-kilometre network of cycling and pedestrian paths running from downtown Vancouver to New Westminster Quay, opened in June, and TransLink is currently developing a Regional Cycling Strategy to determine the growth of cycling infrastructure investment through 2020.



Key to this is the involvement of cycling organizations, and the Canada Line Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge is a prime example.  "The bridge is a welcome addition to the regional cycling network and will encourage people of all ages and abilities to ride bikes more often," says Arno Schortinghuis, president of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition, while VACC’s Richard Campbell adds, “The bridge is a important route for residents and tourists allowing people from Richmond to commute to Vancouver and people from Vancouver to enjoy cycling the Dyke trails in Richmond.

”

Margaret Mahan, executive director of BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation), note that the bridge is not just for adventures on wheels.  “For those looking for a riverside pedestrian experience, this bridge will create new opportunities from either side of the Fraser River.  It’s an important addition to the river walks in both Richmond and Vancouver. ”

The bridge also has an effective grade of 6% and no more than 8%, with regular landings to allow wheelchair users a chance to cross the bridge, and stop from time to time to enjoy the view.



The Canada Line Pedestrian Bicycle Bridge will connect to existing and planned bicycle routes in the City of Vancouver.  Interim links are under construction to bike lanes on Cambie Street, which will become part of a continuous connection to downtown Vancouver and to the Heather Bikeway.  Ultimately, additional connections will be developed so that pedestrians and cyclists can travel in comfort on dedicated facilities east and west along Kent Avenue to connect with
the Ontario Greenway and the future Arbutus Greenway.

The bridge is well lit, and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information on routes, cycling networks and the Regional Cycling Strategy, please visit www.translink.ca and click on the link to “Cycling” at the top of the home page.