Coquitlam’s new King Albert greenway isn’t just a safe and convenient way for cyclists and pedestrians to traverse the southwest part of the city, it’s also an award winner.
The $3.8-million route, that connects Blue Mountain and Mundy parks, is one of three winners from Coquitlam recognized by the annual HUB Cycling bike awards.
The event, held virtually on Feb. 24, shines a light on initiatives around Metro Vancouver that improve the safety and comfort of cyclists .
The greenway, that opened last spring, won an infrastructure improvement award.
Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson, who presented the award, said the route now provides a safe and comfortable option for cyclists travelling between the two parks or heading to other destinations along the way, like the Poirier library, sport and leisure complex or even one of the several schools.
In fact, she added she uses the path herself to travel to her constituency office on Austin Avenue.
Aaron Dixon, a transportation planner with the city, said it’s "exciting" to be part of the effort to advance active transportation options across the region.
Construction of the path started in 2019.
It includes a new $1-million bridge across Como Creek, as well as curb extensions at intersections, new letdowns, better signage and pavement markings. Part of its cost was covered by a $1.1 million grant from TransLink.
Colleen Macdonald, a local author and cycling advocate who’s written several books about cycling trails around British Columbia and the Lower Mainland, said safe routes encourage people to get on their bikes more because they can actually get to places by bike they want to go.
"It give opportunities to connect communities."
Other local winners include the Austin Heights Business Improvement Association (BIA) for its championing of HUB’s annual Bike to Shop initiative, and Colin Fowler was presented a volunteer appreciation award.
