Press Releases
Streets for People in 2020 reallocates and activates road space in New Westminster
Posted On:
September 4, 2020

New Westminster – The City of New Westminster is pleased to announce that Streets for People in 2020 will support more walking, wheeling, and biking while providing space for people to safely stay active outdoors in the midst of COVID-19. Building on the Streets for People in 2020 motion adopted by Council on May 11, 2020, from September to December 2020, additional vehicle-only spaces in New Westminster will be reallocated to better support neighbourhood livability, commercial district viability, community resilience, and public safety. Streets for People in 2020 is being supported by a partnership with two local non-profit groups - Happy City and HUB Cycling - who will support temporary improvements that make it safer and more comfortable to walk and bike with activities to encourage people to walk and bike, and opportunities for people to share their experiences and perspectives. HUB Cycling and Happy City will be hosting a variety of activities throughout September.

 

“It’s important that we support walking and cycling on our roads as we shift away from vehicle reliance and move towards safer, more sustainable, and more equitable modes of transportation” said Mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “Bring your friends and family to some of the many activities we have planned in September and let yourself reimagine your city!”

Reallocated roads include: Front Street between East Columbia and Begbie Street, McInnes Overpass, East Columbia St at Lower Hume Park near the Burnaby boundary, Sixth St just south of Sixth Ave, and Sixth Ave from Sixth St to Eighth St, and more are coming in the fall and winter.

Events hosted by HUB Cycling and Happy City will include information stations, scavenger hunts, family cycling courses, self-guided bike and walking tours, a New West Shop Local Challenge, surveys and, more. For details on where activities are taking place please visit the City of New Westminster calendar of events.

Streets for People builds on the Safe Space to Move and Cool Streets initiatives that have already been implemented as part of the City’s response to COVID-19 and the need for more safe public spaces. These initiatives are also in line with the City’s climate action response and Master Transportation Plan. To learn more about Streets for People in 2020 please visit newwestcity.ca/streets-for-people.

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Contact:

Antonia Reynolds
Active Transportation Coordinator
City of New Westminster