Burrard Peninsula Area Transport Plan (ATP)

HUB Cycling's Recommendations

HUB Cycling is pleased to present our recommendations for TransLink's Burrard Peninsula Area Transport Plan (ATP). As a passionate advocate for cycling and sustainable transportation across Metro Vancouver, we have carefully analyzed the unique transportation needs and opportunities within the Burrard Peninsula. Our recommendations aim to foster a more accessible, efficient, equitable and eco-friendly transportation network that benefits not only people cycling but all residents of this vibrant region. We encourage community members, local stakeholders, and decision-makers to consider our insights as we collectively work towards an interconnected future for the Burrard Peninsula.

 

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Burrard Peninsula Area Transport Plan

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HUB Cycling's recommendations represent an opportunity to accomplish the objectives laid out in Transport 2050 and place a commendable emphasis on active transportation and micromobility, two crucial components for a people-focused future of our regional transportation network.

 

Multi-Modal Integration & Theft Reduction

Considering how various transportation modes can seamlessly work together is essential. We encourage prioritizing multi-modal integration by implementing a comprehensive strategy that addresses the diverse needs of all our communities. First and foremost, invest in building a connected and safe active transportation infrastructure network that is comfortable for people of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds. This network should support walking, rolling, and cycling, including cargo bikes and recumbent bicycles.

Measures should also be included to address theft concerns for bikes and other micro-mobility devices. These can include enhancing the security at end-of-trip facilities and public awareness campaigns on bike theft prevention. Providing adequate, safe, and accessible end-of-trip facilities is crucial for encouraging nearly half of Metro Vancouverites (41%) who want to cycle more often, to adopt active transportation. These end-of-trip facilities must also include plans to accommodate future active transportation needs like charging stations and ample space for various micro-mobility devices, including cargo bikes, scooters, and trailers. 

To enable a more seamless connection between modes, TransLink should expand their 2019 pilot to the public, integrating various bike, scooter, and car share services with the Compass Card to offer first and last-mile connectivity options. The integration of smart technologies used by businesses offering ride-share services, like mobile apps for trip planning and real-time updates, can enhance the user experience and make multi-modal transportation more attractive. This integration will also offer people the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to travel across Metro Vancouver. 

These actions can incentivize and make it easier for more people to incorporate transit into their daily commutes, reducing congestion and environmental impacts. In particular, combining cycling with transit can increase the catchment area of a transit station by nine times, underscoring the importance of accommodating cycling infrastructure in and around transit hubs. 

 

Cycle Highways

The inclusion of long-distance cycle routes, "cycle highways," which can provide safe and efficient cycling routes for both commuters and recreational cyclists, should be emphasized in the plan. 

TransLink’s Major Bikeway Network (MBN), an 850-kilometer network of safe and comfortable cycling facilities connecting Urban Centres and major destinations across Metro Vancouver, provides an example of how this type of route could connect the region. Funding should be prioritized for these types of high-quality, regionally-significant routes.

Active Transportation Promotion and Enabling: Transport 2050 plans include policy directions to promote walking and cycling as fun, practical, healthy, and convenient choices for most shorter trips. Creating strategic promotions and enabling a plan that is an integral part of the Burrard Peninsula ATP will help maximize the usage of our active transportation network. As more people are seen walking or traveling by bicycle, scooters, and other mobility devices, it helps to normalize the behavior, encouraging others to try it.

 

Transportation Equity

We urge TransLink to include equity considerations to ensure that the transportation benefits of the plan are accessible to all members of the community, regardless of their physical abilities or socioeconomic status. Prioritizing affordability and accessibility, TransLink should work to ensure that public transportation remains an affordable and convenient choice for all income groups. 

TransLink should incorporate HUB Cycling’s following six recommendations from the Pedaling Towards Equity: Analyzing Transportation Access in Metro Vancouver's Cycling Network Report in their planning process:

  1. Adopt an Equity-Informed Design.
  2. Define Equity Scores and Prioritize Underserved Areas.
  3. Develop and build a safe, comfortable, and equitable regional cycling network while improving access to transit for underserved areas. 
  4. Engage and Empower Vulnerable Populations, including racialized communities, low-income individuals, and women, to understand their specific transportation needs and address the barriers they face.
  5. Incorporate UNDRIP (The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) in Active Transportation Planning.
  6. Monitor and Evaluate Equity Outcomes.

 

First Nation Engagement

The Burrard Peninsula Area Transport Plan must consider the viewpoints and considerations of the local First Nations, including Kwantlen First Nation, Kwikwetlem First Nation, Musqueam, Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and Qayqayt First Nation. 

Incorporating First Nation engagement in future transportation plans is not only a matter of respect for Indigenous communities' rights, sovereignty, and reconciliation but also a crucial step toward creating more equitable and sustainable transportation systems. First Nations hold a wealth of traditional knowledge about the land and environment, which can be invaluable in ensuring that transportation projects are harmoniously integrated into the local ecosystem.  

Moreover, considering Indigenous perspectives and priorities in transportation planning can help rectify historical injustices, empower local communities, and promote economic development in Indigenous regions. By actively involving First Nations in the decision-making process, TransLink can pave the way for transportation initiatives that are not only efficient but also socially responsible, environmentally friendly, and culturally inclusive.

We commend TransLink for the vision and direction outlined in the Burrard Peninsula Area Transport Plan. By focusing on these key recommendations, TransLink can foster a culture of multi-modal transportation that benefits the environment, eases traffic congestion, enhances the quality of life for Metro Vancouver residents, and paves the way for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. HUB Cycling is eager to support and collaborate with you to ensure the plan becomes a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive transportation model in our region.

 

 

Support HUB's Advocacy Work

If possible, consider donating to HUB Cycling and support our advocacy work in expanding the cycling network across the region. Your support enables us to make an impact on people of all ages and abilities and promote access to cycling across regional and diverse communities.

What is the Impact of Your Generous Gift? 

  • $2,500 will help us develop programs for communities facing social, cultural, and/or financial barriers to cycling.
  • $250 helps us support infrastructure research for an advocacy project like cycle highways phase 2 analysis.
  • $100 will help HUB organize online learning like our Biking for Mental Health webinar to encourage people of all ages and abilities to bike.