Work on a bike route connecting breweries, farm stands and other businesses in Ladner and Tsawwassen will be complete by June 1, in time for B.C.'s Bike Month.
That's according to a report by city staff included in Monday afternoon's council meeting package meant to provided councillors with an update before branded wayfinding signage is installed along the Barns to Beaches Bike Route late this month or early next.
The 16-kilometre north/south route uses a series of existing cycling segments along farm roads and the Boundary Bay Dike Trail to connect the breweries and farm stands in Ladner with the beaches and cafes in Tsawwassen. The goal of the route is "to draw people into the region and enable active transportation throughout Delta while supporting local businesses along the way," according to the staff report.
In late January, 2023, the city applied for to apply for a $150,000 grant from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport's Destination Development Fund to develop the Barns to Beaches Bike Route, codifying codify a popular path that arose during the social distancing days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government announced Delta's application was successful in late April of that year.
The funding came with a list of deliverables that must be completed as part of the project: 29 branded wayfinding signs, six information kiosks, 29 traditional traffic signs, six digital traffic signs (solar powered speed readers), cycling pavement markings, two bike repair kiosks and five bike racks.
"To date, all project deliverables have already been made or installed, except the information kiosks. The two kiosks that will be installed at the northern and southern ends of the route highlight that the route goes through an active farming area and instructs riders to respect farm vehicles," the staff report states.
"Most deliverables have come in under budget, which has enabled staff to exceed project minimums (e.g., more than 29 wayfinding signs)."
One repair stand, pump and bike rack has been installed at the north end of 64th Street near the Ladner Works Yard, while another repair stand, pump and bike rack has been installed on the Boundary Bay Dike Trail, shortly before it ends at 17A Avenue.
Branding for the wayfinding signage has been updated from what was pitched in 2023 to include images of other forms of cycling — recumbents, hand cycles and kids trailers — so as to "reflect accessibility." The signs have been made and are being stored until they are installed in late April or early May.
"In future years, with council approval, staff envision organizing a lively, fun, family-oriented Barns to Beaches event that draws people to the region, supports local businesses, and kicks off the summer," the report states.
The city has plans to promote the route once its completed and staff are working with Tourism Delta to see how the organization can support marketing and promotion of the route.
