Port Moody nabs award for St. Johns Street’s multi-use path

The City of Port Moody has won an award for its cycling improvements along St. Johns Street.

On March 7, Couns. Samantha Agtarap and Amy Lubik accepted an Infrastructure Improvement Award on behalf of the city by HUB Cycling at the 12 Annual Bike Awards in Vancouver.

“This is the first protected bike route through the City of Port Moody . . . ensuring city-wide travel is easier and safer for those on two wheels,” said Port Moody-Coquitlam MP Bonita Zarrillo, who presented the award.

The multi-use pathway was built as part of the St. Johns Street Redesign Project. During public engagement for the city’s 2017 Master Transportation Plan, residents raised concern over the difficulties with walking, cycling or using transit in Moody Centre.

As a result, the city set out a plan to widen the sidewalk, install additional traffic signals, provide additional crossings, and improve cycling amenities.

The first phase of the redesign project began in 2023, constructing a path from Albert Street to Moody Street, and also included improved lighting, benches for rest, and raised crossings for traffic calming.

Zarrillo said the pathway has helped connect local shops, services and residents in the neighbourhood, allowing improved access to the SkyTrain station and bus exchange, as well as local schools.

Quoted in a Hub Cycling press release on March 8, Mayor Meghan Lahti thanked TransLink, ICBC, and the province for helping to fund the project.

She said the project was a great example of how safety, accessibility, and sustainability can be improved through “smart infrastructure” improvements.

“Being selected to receive this prestigious award is meaningful for Port Moody as it underscores our commitment to building a city that prioritizes sustainable transportation options and thoughtful urban design,” Lahti said. “(We) hope this project serves as an inspiration for other communities looking to create vibrant, connected spaces for everyone.”

The second phase of the project, connecting Moody Street to Ioco Road, is currently being designed by city staff.

Port Moody is not the first municipality in the Tri-Cities to be recognized by HUB Cycling.

The City of Coquitlam received the same award in 2024 for its Guildford Greenway project, which built 2.1 kilometres of separated cycling and micro-mobility lanes on both sides of the Guildford Way.

Port Moody is currently developing its own concept plans to create protected bike lanes along Heritage Mountain Boulevard, the south side of Murray Street and its side of Guildford Way.

When completed, the two projects should allow for an unbroken link of bike lanes connecting Coquitlam and Port Moody’s city centres.