Guest Post on UBC-O Access

When we talk about UBCO bike access, we should also include the number of riders from the Quail Ridge Residential Community. This residential community which is linked by a perimeter trail to UBCO and a unauthorized private property gravel pit road (Hollywood Road alignment) does not have a safe bike access to the Rutland area. There are a number of recreational users in this area who until recently were able to use the short official bike section alongside the UBC overpass which ended alongside the RR tracks thence dipped under Highway 97, through an old rough private property connection that crossed the RR and connected to Bulman. This short unofficial section was closed off last week by a large gate noting that is was on private property. As mentioned this route allowed a rider to safely cross the RR tracks and ride along the Bulman, Hereron, Ackland, Old Vernon Rd, Rutland Rd alignments. While only the Rutland Rd alignment has a bike path it was a considerably safer route with open streets and its’ minimal industrial traffic.
The latest situation precludes the news that there will be a safe bike access to the UBC campus prior to the start of the fall term less than one month away. It also reinforces the isolation that Quail Ridge bike riders have in accessing our city safely. Highway 97 is not a safe route for a person riding a bike!
I trust that this unsafe situation will be noted and quickly addressed.

Glen Maddess