Maple Ridge expands school-travel safety measures ahead of return to class

Maple Ridge is adding pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and reminding road users to slow down as students return to school.

The city’s recent and planned work includes a gravel pathway linking Hynes Street to the crosswalk near Whonnock Elementary School, as well as an extension of the multi-use path 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, upgrading the beacon crossing at 124 Avenue and Gray Street, and converting 12 existing crossings to beacon-enhanced crossings. Eighteen school-zone pavement decals will be installed, adding to 31 placed in 2025.

Maple Ridge says it pauses non-emergency work in and around school zones at the start of the school year to reduce disruption. On school days, the school-zone speed limit is 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; playground-zone limits apply from dawn to dusk.

Drivers are being asked to park legally, avoid double parking, leave crosswalks and bus zones clear, watch for children and allow extra travel time. Bylaw officers will monitor school areas. The city also encourages walking, cycling, carpooling, transit use and parking farther from schools to reduce congestion.

E-scooters are not allowed on Maple Ridge public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, sports fields or multi-use paths beside roads. E-bikes may be used where bicycles are allowed, but not on sidewalks. More information is available at MapleRidge.ca/Micromobility, while potential safety improvements can be reported at MapleRidge.ca/Report.