Over the last few weeks, I have visited many parts of the City of Langley knocking on doors and handing out postcards in my bid for a spot at the Langley City Council table. As someone who has always lived north of the Nickomekl Floodplain, I don’t frequently walk in many of the areas south of the floodplain.
One of the reason why I’m running for council is because I want to see Langley become a more walkable community. In order for people to feel safe walking, our sidewalks and trail system needs to be continuous and in a state of good repair. One thing that I’ve noticed is the sidewalks don’t exist at all, or abruptly end, in some parts of the City. In order for people to feel safe walking, the City will need to invest in adding sidewalks in some areas, and repair or even widen sidewalks in others parts of the community.
Walking must be convenient. I snapped the follow picture of one of the many pedestrian access ways throughout Langley City.
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| One of the many unmarked pedestrian/cycling access ways in the City of Langley |
There are many access ways and trails throughout the City that actually make it easy to get around without driving. Sadly wayfinding is poor to non-existent, and some access ways and trails feel unsafe.
Comprehensive wayfinding is needed to help guide people to schools, parks, the Nickomekl Floodplain, and Downtown Langley. Over time, a maintenance schedule should be developed to keep these access ways and trails clear. Unsafe trails and access ways need to be identified, with recommendation made on how to improve safety.
Focusing on enhancing the safety and accessibility of the Nickomekl Floodplain trail system is a priority for me, but focus must also be put on all access ways and trails in the City.
While it won’t happen overnight, my vision for Langley includes a complete, safe, and accessible pedestrian network. Dollar for dollar investing in walking is the most cost effective way to improve transportation in a community.
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