HUB Cycling Advocates for Safer, Connected Bike Lanes in Tri-Cities
By Nancy Furness – Local Journalism Initiative

HUB Cycling, a Metro Vancouver-wide organization, is dedicated to encouraging more people to cycle more often. Its Tri-Cities chapter, covering Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and the Villages of Belcarra and Anmore, works to make cycling safer and more accessible. Andrew Hartline of HUB Tri-Cities highlights the numerous benefits of cycling, including its positive environmental impact, physical and mental health contributions, and ability to foster independence and self-confidence in children while creating quieter, safer streets.

While the Tri-Cities region offers beautiful landscapes for cycling, Andrew acknowledges the challenges posed by its hilly terrain and the lack of safe, well-connected routes in some areas. “It’s nice for a cyclist to make themselves visible,” he notes, “but it’s a much bigger deal to have safe infrastructure.” He emphasizes the importance of building forgiving street infrastructure to minimize risks for both cyclists and drivers, with separated bike lanes as the “gold standard.”

Progress and Challenges in Coquitlam
Andrew praises the City of Coquitlam for its efforts to improve cycling infrastructure, particularly the highly visible bike lane along Guildford Way. This route stands out for its flat terrain, minimal intersections, and connections to key destinations, including Coquitlam City Hall, Port Moody City Hall, local recreation facilities, libraries, schools, and SkyTrain stations like Lincoln Centre. “From one end to the other of Guildford,” Andrew says, “you have access to a network of parks, facilities, and services that make cycling an integral part of community life.”

However, Andrew stresses that more work is needed, especially at intersections. “Intersection treatment is a complicated issue,” he explains, “and often, municipalities creating bike facilities choose to dodge it.” Despite these challenges, Coquitlam has made progress with advanced pedestrian and cyclist signals at some intersections, setting an example for other municipalities in the region.

Connecting the Region’s Bike Lanes
One of HUB Tri-Cities’ current priorities is the completion of a critical 700-meter section connecting Port Moody’s bike path (at Ioco and Guildford, near the Murray Street multi-use path) to Coquitlam’s Guildford Greenway bike path. This segment would bridge a key gap in the region’s cycling network, fostering greater connectivity and safety for cyclists travelling between the two cities.

The Case for Separated Infrastructure
Andrew also raises concerns about the safety of mixing e-traffic with pedestrians and cyclists on multi-use paths, particularly as cities set ambitious goals for increasing active transportation. “We see the natural evolutionary process being toward separated infrastructure,” he says. Dedicated lanes for each mode of transport help minimize conflicts and improve safety, supporting the growth of cycling as a viable transportation option.

With municipalities like Coquitlam and Port Moody pushing forward with aggressive active transportation targets, HUB Cycling continues to advocate for safer, more connected bike lanes across the Tri-Cities. Their work is paving the way for a future where cycling is a safe, accessible, and integral part of life in the region.