…but a single tool wasn’t enough when designing a safe and connected bike network through Burnaby.

The Southeast Bikeway Upgrade Project built a broader “toolbox” of street design solutions—each tailored to its context yet united by a consistent, low-stress, and safe network experience.

Partnered with McElhanney, we supported the City of Burnaby in planning and designing the Southeast Bikeway Upgrade project through the Southeast and Big Bend areas. Along its 13 km length, the route traverses industrial, commercial, agricultural, and residential neighbourhoods, including school zones. The diversity of land use and street typologies introduced a unique challenge: achieving an All Ages and Abilities cycling network while accommodating everyday operational and access needs.

Our team developed concept designs informed by a robust options evaluation to create a route that’s safe, comfortable, and intuitive for everyone. A focused public engagement program was used to gather input from residents, schools, businesses, and key interested parties. The Southeast Bikeway is a continuous route, but it looks different along its length to fit with the context, while achieving a consistent user experience. The project is a major step in advancing Burnaby’s priority cycling network for all ages and abilities, as outlined in Connecting Burnaby, the City’s Transportation Plan.

It’s rewarding to contribute to projects that help create safer, more connected, and more inclusive active transportation networks. If you want to hear more, please contact us.