A Major Step Forward on the BC Parkway: Stewardson Gap Upgrades

A group of seven people stand smiling with colorful signs shaped like bicycle silhouettes under an elevated SkyTrain track. They are gathered on a multi-use path marked with chalk messages and a "Welcome to BC Parkway" sign.

 

A key gap in the BC Parkway was filled by TransLink this month, marking a meaningful win for active transportation in the region.

Known as the Stewardson Gap, this section previously forced people walking, cycling, and rolling to share a narrow sidewalk alongside the busy Stewardson Way roadway. With cars and trucks rushing by just inches away, the space was uncomfortable and unsafe. Even the “better” segments had poor sightlines and multiple intersections that posed challenges for visibility and comfort.

To address these issues, TransLink collaborated with key stakeholders, including Southern Railway, to secure the necessary space for upgrades. The result is a significantly improved section of the BC Parkway that now features a wider, more comfortable path for people cycling and rolling, along with a separate path for those walking or moving at a slower pace. Several intersections were also redesigned to enhance safety and improve user visibility.

Three people with bicycles stand smiling on a multi-use path beneath an elevated SkyTrain track. They are surrounded by a green bike lane, traffic signals, and a concrete overpass. Chalk text on the path reads, "Welcome to BC Parkway."

     A cyclist in a blue jacket rides on a bright green bike lane, approaching a crosswalk where a person in an orange coat is walking. The scene is set beneath an elevated SkyTrain track with traffic signs and trucks in the background.

 

 

 

HUB Cycling has long identified this as a critical gap in the regional cycling network. The BC Parkway connects Surrey, New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver, serving both local trips and longer distance rides for commuters, tourists and others. It is a key component of Metro Vancouver’s Major Bikeway Network, which envisions a connected system of safe, accessible routes to key destinations across the region.

Filling the Stewardson Gap is an essential step toward making the entire length of the Parkway safe, comfortable, and accessible for all users.

This improvement is part of a broader series of upgrades along the BC Parkway. With the upcoming new Pattullo Bridge set to offer a far more comfortable crossing for people walking and cycling, and additional improvements underway near Royal Oak, Patterson, and Joyce-Collingwood stations, the Parkway is becoming a backbone for active transportation in the region.

Each completed upgrade brings us closer to a connected, safe, and equitable active transportation network - one that supports healthier communities and more sustainable travel across Metro Vancouver.