bike
Six new greenway additions coming soon to Surrey
April 10, 2012 | Paul HillsdonAfter two years of phenomenal growth in the greenways network, with three new pedestrian overpasses and a new perimeter trail at Tynehead Regional Park, the City’s Transportation department is keeping up the momentum with six more additions planned over the … Read More
City seeks input on new master plans for dog parks, greenways
May 20, 2011 | Paul HillsdonThe City is currently developing new master plans for both dog off-leash parks and the ever-expanding greenways network. Although the open houses are nearly complete, you can still submit your valuable input online through two quick surveys linked below. … Read More
Two major greenway projects in 2011
January 17, 2011 | Paul HillsdonIn addition to the major bicycle pathways expansion program introduced in 2009 as part of the Federal Stimulus program, two more projects are set to begin in 2011 that will continue to connect communities to Surrey’s growing greenways network.
The … Read More
Lessons on transport from Portland, Oregon [videos]
October 11, 2010 | Paul Hillsdon
I must confess, I adore the City of Portland. Were it not for the fact that it is in America, I would move there in a heartbeat. Its distinctive funky, indie, eco flair is unmatched anywhere in North America. I daresay that it achieves a sustainable quality of life that exceeds Vancouver itself. Portland is a major leader in livable urbanism – alas, it is no wonder Surrey Council and staff will be visiting the City of Roses later this month to examine its achievements.
Portland’s unique urban trajectory began in the 1970′s when citizens defeated a proposed $400 million Mount Hood Freeway project. That activism led to the establishment of the Metro regional elected government, which took the lead on regional planning and established the urban growth boundary (the equivalent to our Green Zone and Agricultural Land Reserve). Voters then pushed to reallocate the freeway funds to build a rapid transit system. The region’s first light rail, or MAX, line opened in 1986 (same time as our first SkyTrain line) along 15-mile corridor that connected Downtown Portland to the suburb of Gresham.
The MAX received an 18-mile eastside extension in 1998, connecting the Downtown with the suburb of Hilsboro, and was renamed the Blue Line. The Red Line opened in 2001, connecting Downtown to Portland International Airport. The Portland Streetcar was also introduced in 2001 as a 4.8-mile circulator in the Downtown core. The streetcar would go on to stimulate billions of dollars of redevelopment in former industrial areas, creating the Yaletown-like Pearl District, and Portland’s own Coal Harbour with the South Waterfront District. Dozens of American cities are following in the footsteps of Portland, currently building or planning to build inner city streetcar lines.
TriMet, the regional transportation authority, opened the 5.8-mile MAX Yellow Line in 2004, with a terminus at Expo Center (a major convention facility). In 2009, a commuter rail line called WES was introduced, connecting the distant suburbs of Beaverton and Wilsonville to the MAX Blue Line. Later that year, the 8-mile MAX Green Line opened, connecting the western suburb of Clackamas to Portland’s growing transit network. Construction is currently underway for an eastside extension of the Portland Streetcar, while funding is being secured for a 7.3 mile MAX extension south to Milwaukee.
During the 90′s, the City of Portland also pursued the ambitious expansion of its bike network, making cycling one of its fastest growing mode shares. Most recently, Mayor Sam Adams has championed the concept of 20-minute neighbourhoods across the City (everything you need to live, work, and play within 20 minute walking distance) and the development of Eco-Districts, which are highly sustainable, low carbon, mixed-use neighbourhoods. Portland’s outstanding success with the Streetcar, its bike culture, its ever-expanding MAX network, and its innovative urban planning policies has made it a brilliant case study for sustainability around the world. But don’t just take my word for it, have a look for yourself:
Intro to Portland
New Tynehead perimeter trail coming soon
July 30, 2010 | Paul HillsdonMetro Vancouver is embarking on a $4 million upgrade of Tynehead Regional Park. The centrepiece of the project is Phase 1 of a paved, multi-use perimeter pathway that will circle the eastern, undeveloped section of the park. The new … Read More
City Centre “Green Network” Plan revealed
June 9, 2010 | Paul Hillsdon
As part of the long term City Centre land use plan under development, a recreational “Green Network” was proposed to facilitate the movement of pedestrians and cyclists in the area. The Green Network is more than just bicycle ways though; it also incorporates natural habitat enhancement, sustainable stormwater management, placemaking through public art and historical markers, wayfinding, and street furniture. Among the projects:
- a pedestian priority core near City Hall and SFU
- an art walk along University Drive
- a history walk along the Quibble Creek Greenway
- a culture corridor along King George
- a series of new plazas and “pocket parks”
- a new “urban greenway” with separated bike paths along 105 A Ave
- higher quality greenways
Click on through for way more!
Tynehead Greenway overpass concepts [pics]
February 2, 2010 | Paul HillsdonAs part of the $12.5 million stimulus investment in greenway infrastructure, Surrey, in partnership with BC and Canada, is funding the construction of the Tynehead Overpass. The pedestrian bridge will cross Hwy 1 at 168 St. Below are three … Read More
