The opening of the Evergreen Extension will make it easier for cyclists to ride their bikes and take transit, says a member of the HUB Cycling group that is hosting Bike to Work Week this week.
"The opening of the Evergreen Line is going to create lots of new options to save time and money getting to downtown and other parts of the region," said Meredith Seeton, a city planner who uses transit to get to meetings outside downtown Port Coquitlam, where she works.
When the $1.4-billion rapid transit extension opens — probably before Christmas — there will be bike racks and 10 lockers at each station available for monthly rentals.
As well, bike parkades are being considered for four Evergreen stations that would hold even more bikes securely for customers who register. The initiative must still be approved as part of TransLink's 10-year investment plan, which is now under discussion.
Seeton said she hopes the parkades get the green light because they provide even more flexibility for cyclists who don't ride their bikes every day.
"They would definitely make cycling and taking the Evergreen Line more convenient," said Seeton, who said she could then ride her bike from downtown PoCo to Lincoln Station, park in a rack in the secure parkade, then use the rapid transit system. Currently, she has to ride all the way to Braid Station in New Westminster to get on SkyTrain.
During Bike to Work Week, cyclists are encouraged to stop by a celebration station Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Foster and Poirier in Coquitlam from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. or Thursday, Oct. 27 from 6 to 9:30 a.m. at Lansdowne and Guildford in Coquitlam.
HUB Cycling is also ramping up its #UnGapTheMap campaign, with the goal of having a regionally connected bike network that makes biking safe and convenient.
To help advocate for regional cycling improvements, visit a HUB Cycling meeting. The Tri-City branch meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the City Centre branch of Coquitlam Public Library.
