Maple Ridge Advances Transportation Improvements for Safer School Travel

As students prepare to return to school, the City of Maple Ridge says it is continuing to invest in transportation infrastructure intended to help students, families and staff travel safely to and from local schools. Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users are being asked to stay alert, slow down and share the road responsibly.

Recent and upcoming work includes a gravel path from Hynes Street to the crosswalk near Whonnock Elementary School, and a multi-use-path extension on 216 Street between Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road. The City is also installing a new rectangular rapid flashing beacon crosswalk on 132 Avenue near the overflow parking lot across from Maple Ridge Park, upgrading the existing crossing at 124 Avenue and Gray Street, and converting 12 existing crosswalks to RRFB-enhanced crossings.

Other work includes paving 126 Avenue after installation of a new watermain and adding 18 school-zone pavement decals, following 31 decals installed in 2025. The City pauses non-emergency work in and around school zones at the start of the school year; projects are funded through its Capital Plan.

Under its Safe and Active School Travel Program, the City promotes the ABCDs of pedestrian and driver safety: stay Alert, wear Bright colours and reflectors, Cross Safely and Decrease Speed. School-zone limits on school days are 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while playground-zone limits apply from dawn to dusk.

The City asks drivers to park legally, avoid double parking, watch for children and allow extra time, noting bylaw officers will monitor school areas. It works with School District No. 42 and Fraser Health on Best Routes to School maps, Walking School Bus opportunities, educational resources and active-travel incentives. E-scooters are prohibited on Maple Ridge public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, sports fields and roadside multi-use paths; e-bikes are allowed where bicycles are allowed, but not on sidewalks. More information is available at MapleRidge.ca/SchoolTravel and MapleRidge.ca/Micromobility.