Abstract Manager

The Active Transportation Plan (ATP), adopted by District of Saanich Council in 2018, identified key streets to implement AAA infrastructure and bike routes. Being a medium sized municipality, and therefore having modest capital funding available, the Engineering Department sought innovative methods to implement infrastructure that aligned with BC Active Transportation Design Guidelines (BCAT).

Modular barrier curbs were identified as a means to create physically separated facilities without extending the road surface or widening off-street infrastructure. At $530.00 per 2.44m barrier, the low cost of installation has allowed the District to construct about 18km of protected bike lanes since 2022.

Targeting streets with sufficient width, the barriers, pinned to existing asphalt surfaces, achieved a minimum 3.2m vehicle lane and 1.5m bike lane. Object marker signs (WA-36R) and reflective flexible bollards enhance the visibility of the barriers straddling the standardized gaps around intersections and driveways that were determined by turning movement analysis, and refined through continuing input from the Saanich Fire Department and BC Transit.

Public perception has generally been good; social media has been generally positive, and the active transportation community’s thirst for new infrastructure has only grown after witnessing the quick implementation. After Saanich’s successful curb-plunk projects, other local municipalities (Victoria, Esquimalt, and Colwood) have adopted the curbs for their own bike lane projects.

Key challenges of implementation have been public perception of reallocating road space, public concern about emergency vehicle access, and implementation hindered by existing infrastructure, such as curbed medians, where sufficient lane width is present. As well, choosing between no barriers or a narrow protected bike lane to allow for street cleaning or protection in high conflict areas are persistent design issues.

This presentation delves into Saanich's experience with modular concrete curbs, exploring technical aspects, logistical considerations, and the overall impact on the community. Insights gained from this successful implementation aim to inspire and guide other municipalities in fostering active and sustainable transportation solutions, contributing to the collective vision of creating healthier, greener, and more connected urban environments.