We have been without public transit for months here in Whistler. As a result, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) finds itself with a small pile of unaccounted-for transportation budget. While the strike has hampered mobility for many in the valley, some of these savings can now be used to improve mobility for years to come.
With e-bikes now expected to outsell not just all EVs, but ALL CARS within the next few years, it’s time for Whistler to build accordingly.
Here is a list of quick and cheap projects the RMOW could/should implement this summer, to increase safety for all non-car travel (aka: active transportation):
1. Create a link between the Valley Trail south (coming past the Whistler Golf Club underpass) to the skateboard park and the Upper Village.
We could use existing pavement and simply add some pylons and paint—creating sidewalks, bike lanes and transit-only lanes under the bridge along Village Gate Blvd. There is plenty of car/truck capacity on Lorimer Rd.
2. Elevate all crosswalks.
This makes pedestrians more visible to increasingly tall trucks, and serves as speed bumps to help ensure the 30km/h zones are obeyed. This should be done at all crosswalks within the Village, and at Valley Trail crossings elsewhere.
3. “Take the lane” signage.
Many places around the world that have implemented 30 km/h speed limits have also made it illegal for cars/trucks to pass cyclists. Studies show that the existing paint and signage “share the lane” throughout the Village make biking more dangerous than no signage at all. Since the roads are all max 30 km/h anyway, and we need cyclists to feel safe riding on our roads, perhaps the suggestion that drivers yield to cyclists for a few seconds, and not pass dangerously, would improve safety for cycling families.
4. Purchase e-bikes for all graduating Grade 8 students.
This will ensure these local children will have the freedom of mobility for their formative high school years, free their parents from driving them around, and teach other kids and adults that e-biking is the best way to get around Whistler, all year.
What do you think should be done to improve safety and mobility in Whistler?
