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Walking

Walking is rated as Canada’s most popular physical activity and New Westminster is a great place to walk!  It is also the most fundamental form of transportation, as it is part of every trip, whether that trip is made by bicycle, transit or car.

Walking is the City’s top priority in terms of transportation mode hierarchy, with the focus of the City’s efforts being to make walking a safe, comfortable, accessible and pleasant mobility choice for people of all ages and abilities, be they residents or visitors.

Less reliance on driving (especially for shorter, local trips), reduces traffic congestion, noise and air pollution and has other benefits, such as improved feelings of connection to the community. 

Walking is an excellent way to admire the city and make new friends, as well as to meet your exercise goals. Walking improves cardio-vascular fitness, muscle tone, endurance, and mental health. Walking also increases energy levels, assists in weight management, and reduces the risk of chronic disease.

Take a walk in New Westminster today!

  • Walkers' Caucus

    Stay tuned for more information on the next challenge.

  • Committees and Policies

    ACTBiPed Committee

    This committee represents the interests of pedestrians in New Westminster by reviewing, advising and making recommendations for City policies, issues, facilities and programs. The committee aims to help integrate walking, cycling, and transit use into the transportation system in order to support a socially equitable, economically viable, and environmentally friendly city.

    Learn more.

    Access Ability Advisory Committee

    To assess improvements which would enhance the mobility and comfort of the disabled within the City and its public buildings. The vast knowledge and expert advice of the committee assists both the able and disabled residents, business and facilities in New Westminster.

    Learn more.

    Seniors Advisory Committee

    The Seniors Advisory Committee considers and evaluates issues referred to it from City Council, initiates studies on matters deemed to be of concern to seniors and submits recommendations to Council.  The role of the Seniors Advisory Committee is to provide advice to Council on long term planning issues for present and future New Westminster seniors, such as transportation and housing, and short-term issues related to seniors, such as access to shopping services, developments and proposals.  The Committee also acts as a resource for seniors by receiving input from individuals and groups and making recommendations to appropriate bodies through Council.

    Learn more.

    Master Transportation Plan (MTP)

    Promoting walking is one of the top priorities of the MTP. The focus of the City’s efforts to create a walkable city is on making walking a safe, comfortable, accessible and pleasant mobility choice for people of all ages and abilities.

    Learn more.

  • Walking Mythbusters [PDF] - 1322KB

  • Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers

    Pedestrians:
    • Enhance your visibility, especially after dark. Wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing, or attach a light or a reflective strip to your clothing.
    • Stay alert. Watch out for drivers turning into an intersection from left and right. Try to make eye contact with all nearby drivers before stepping out onto the street.
    • Don't assume a crosswalk or a green light at an intersection makes you safe. Ensure drivers see you before you step out from the curb.
    • Especially if you know you may be slower in crossing a road, give yourself the most time to cross by waiting for a newly turned green or walk signal.
    • Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, and be on the lookout for turning or backing vehicles.
    • Keep scanning for vehicles as you cross.
    • Hold your hand up or do whatever it takes to make yourself more visible to drivers.
    Motorists:
    • Stay alert. Don't be distracted by activities that take your mind off driving or your eyes off the road. Watch carefully for pedestrians when approaching any crosswalk or intersection.
    • Ensure all pedestrians have cleared the road before proceeding.
    • Take special care to watch for pedestrians or other vulnerable road users when making a left-hand turn.
    • Watch especially carefully for the elderly or mobility-challenged. Recognize it may take them longer than average to complete a safe crossing.
    source: BC Coroners' Office

     

  • Jane's Walks

    The City of New Westminster participates annually in the Jane’s Walk. Jane’s Walk is a movement of free, citizen-led walking tours which encourage people to share stories about their communities and explore their cities while connecting with neighbours.

    Jane’s Walk

    Jane’s Walk New Westminster