People keep saying that it’s totally safe to go outside for exercise.
Well, yes and no. If you are going out walking or cycling, you still have to maintain a social and physical distance. Fresh air won’t stop the transmission of COVID-19 if you get too close.
It’s why some cities have made certain trails one-way only so people don’t pass each other.
The City of New Westminster worked along with regional Central Valley Greenway to create a path that will enable physical distancing for walkers and wheelers along a “tight segment” where North Road becomes East Columbia Street.
As you can see from the photo, cones have been set up and signage is now in place.
It’s part of New West’s plan to create “COVID-19 streets,” according to a city tweet.
Jim Lowrie, the city’s director of engineering, told the Record that city staff has been monitoring pedestrian and cycling behaviour in response to physical distancing recommendations from health officials. He said the city has received some feedback from community members about concerns at specific locations, including the McInnis overpass, which takes people from Carnarvon Street to Quayside Drive.
“Due to the narrow sidewalk on only one side of the McInnis overpass, we will be removing one vehicle lane in order to provide space for physical distancing of pedestrians and cyclists. This will result in one-way travel in the southbound direction,” he said. “We have directly notified a number of key stakeholders in vicinity of the overpass and Coast Mountain Bus Company, and will issuing public notification early next week.”
When that change is implemented, motorists will leave the Quay via the overpass at Third Avenue or the ground-level crossing at Begbie Street.
- With files from Theresa McManus
