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Bike lanes being considered for 16th Avenue in Beach Grove

Delta council this week agreed on the initial design for the improvement of 16th Avenue, part of what could eventually be a larger plan to improve cycling options.
biking

Delta council this week agreed on the initial design for the improvement of 16th Avenue, part of what could eventually be a larger plan to improve cycling options.

The project will see a series of upgrades from 56th Street to Beach Grove Road over the course of a few years, however a detailed design phase still has to get underway with a final proposed design going back to the public for comment.

A staff report outlined feedback received from residents on two initial designs. The two concepts, along with a survey form, were mailed to approximately 960 area residents to seek feedback. Residents were also invited to a public information meeting to discuss the concepts. 

To promote active modes of transportation, the concept that had the greatest support when it comes to accommodating cyclists and pedestrians has on-street cycle lanes.

A previous staff report notes a survey found that on-street parking along 16th Avenue is very lightly used. As such, removal of on-street parking along the north side of 16th Avenue is being proposed to accommodate the cycling improvements.

Engineering director Steven Lan said the roadway is an important link to the beach, an elementary school, the South Delta Recreation Centre as well as the commercial area.

Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2023 and would be completed sometime in 2024, said Lan.

He also noted a cycling study for the entire community is in the city’s capital plan.

The Community Liveability Advisory Committee late last year agreed to recommend council consider a series of ideas put forward by the group HUB Cycling Delta, including prioritizing active transportation goals in Delta's Official Community Plan, creating a cycling plan and assigning funding to address significant cycling gaps.

The city has been gradually adding cycling lanes elsewhere, including 52nd Street and is also going to add lanes on 8A Avenue.