City of North Vancouver Approves AAA Cycling Network

The City of North Vancouver council recently approved a new AAA (All Ages & Abilities) cycling network, due in part to the efforts of HUB, specifically our North Shore Committee.

In June, 2013, City of North Vancouver staff asked HUB to comment on several options for a new bike facility on Chesterfield Avenue, the designated bike arterial that runs from the Lonsdale SeaBus up the hill into the heart of the city. It is also a busy street with parking on both sides, and is an emergency vehicle route. 

HUB requested an option that included separated lane, and an overall plan that would be considered AAA, a growing concept driven by the need to safely make cycling inclusive and available to all, regardless of skill level.

Following a presentation to city council, staff were directed to produce designs and cost estimates for a AAA network across the City.

Throughout the fall and winter of 2013/2014, HUB and the North Shore Committee worked in close consultation with the City on the North Shore Bicycle Master Plan, which was overlaid with a number of options for AAA cycling. Based on input from a number of sources, including HUB and the City of North Vancouver’s Integrated Transportation Committee, the most extensive option was selected and recommended by staff for approval. 

Through efforts starting in June 2013, with a HUB delegation to Council, then more committee meetings, and more Council presentations, and one delayed vote, finally the motion passed on February 24th.

This is a significant decision — while this AAA cycling network will not be completed for many years, approval of the plan establishes a framework for a long-term vision for AAA cycling in the City of North Vancouver!

We congratulate Mayor Darrell Mussatto and the Council of the City of North Vancouver, HUB North Shore Committee member Heather Drugge, and everyone involved in this success.