Written in 2018 and kept as originally published. Ages, figures and references to “recent” events reflect that time.
To the RMOW Mayor and Council:
Re: Transit efficiency, improved emergency response, pedestrian safety, and the Valley Trail system
This letter, with an emphasis on placing staff in the Cheakamus, introduces concepts to improve access via transit and the Valley Trail, which benefits all citizens south of Twin Lakes and improves safety and efficiency on Hwy 99.
This premise will focus on the lands recently acquired by the RMOW, the Prism lands on Alta Lake Road, the Bus Route 20: Cheakamus, and a logical expansion of the Valley Trail.
The Bus Route 20: Cheakamus (Figure 1), wastes time and money by doubling back over its own track, going north to the end of Function, only to turn around and head south back to the intersection before proceeding north on Highway 99. This is frustrating for passengers, enough to make them want to drive their own car.
Between the red arrows in Figure 1, I propose a one-way "bus and bike lane" from the north end of Function, along the tracks, to what is now the RMOW-owned lands at the Prism site. The lane would be going north in the morning and south in the afternoon, to counter traffic flow.
If completed,
1. The bus route would be shortened by 1.5 km and with a timed performance increase of 3 minutes. With 44 scheduled stops per day, over a year that would be as savings of 24,090 km (without accounting for additional time lost in gridlock).
2. Tamarisk, Twin Lakes, and West Side employee housing residents would no longer endanger themselves by crossing Hwy 99 to catch a bus, and highway efficiency would increase by having fewer forced stops for pedestrians.
3. Fire, ambulance, and police would have improved response times with the lane open.
4. The route would not be subject to traffic on the hill—dramatically increasing the on-time performance and thus making car riding the less-desired option during heavy traffic.
5. If the road was closed on the hill north of Function, the valley would have an emergency entry and exit point.
As for the Valley Trail, this new bus lane would give a significant boost to what is now used as an "unofficial Valley Trail". Bikers currently follow the sewer line from the West Side Road between the two red arrows, and then onto the old logging road to the intersection of Hwy 99 /Cheakamus. For any pedal biker not wanting to use the highway, it’s perfect.
When I ride my bike from Creek Side to Function, I follow the sewer line along the railway tracks from Nigel's driveway, and along this proposed route. It provides a direct, yet rugged opportunity to stay off Highway 99. In the flat lands behind Function, the path follows an old forest service road. Improvement of this pathway, in conjunction with the bus lane, would make it preferred for most bikers over using the 99. With the advent of hybrid bikes, more and more commuters will use this mode of transit and without this route, the result will be more bikes on the 99.
This new portion of the Valley Trail and the new bus lane to Function must be a priority for transportation and lifestyle. As a former BC Ambulance attendant, I am very uncomfortable with unnecessary bike traffic on 99, especially when there is a viable solution to the problem.
As far as road building goes, the RMOW has completed far more complicated sections of road ways and Valley Trails.
I am open and willing to explain any aspect of this idea, answer any questions, and commit time and effort to see the prospect fully examined.
Lance Bright
Originally published September 23, 2018 on lancebright.com.