New spaces for walking and queuing. Re-allocated travel lanes for cycling and rolling. Expanded patios on streets to support the restaurant sector.
These are just a few examples of initiatives being introduced by local governments over the past few weeks to support British Columbians, as we all look for ways to get back to commuting, shopping, dining out and recreation…while also aiming to maintain our distance.
If the BC re-opening plan is anything like its predecessor (ie. the lockdown plan), it will be a resounding success! If this happens, it will be due, in no small part, to the guidance of the province's Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (‘MoTI’).
In May, MoTI introduced a series of recommendations and resources for local governments — essential guidance on the reallocation of roadway space for physical distancing, which has in turn paved the way forward for many communities across BC to take this as a cue to take decisive action.
These measures seem to make a lot of sense, as they not only support health guidelines, but also broader efforts to support the CleanBC plan to reduce transportation emissions. And that means making small but meaningful changes to reduce automobile dependency, and use active transportation to form the backbone of many aspects of public life.
Here’s a small sampling of initiatives introduced by BC communities to meet the challenge. We hope there’s more to come!
Victoria: Vehicle access restrictions, parking realignment, and making space on local streets
Vancouver: Road closures, repurposed road space, and a study of further street reallocations
North Vancouver City: Reallocation of road space on destination and neighbourhood streets
Nelson: Reallocation of on-street parking space for sidewalk 'cafes'
Kamloops: Reallocation of sidewalk and parking stalls for commercial activity
More actions supporting civic changes to enable physical distancing for walking, cycling and rolling, as well as wide variety of economic recovery activity, are underway now! If we've missed something happening in your community, let us know by sending us a note below.
