On January 18, Point Grey Road between Macdonald and Alma streets closed to through traffic for vehicles. This is part of the controversial $6-million Kitsilano greenway plan that will link Burrard Bridge to the western beaches with a bike/pedestrian route.
Cars are being diverted along Macdonald and encouraged to use 4th Avenue, Broadway, 10th Avenue or 16th Avenue to proceed farther west.
In the early days after the road closure, opinions are divided and battle lines are drawn. To some, the city increased street safety. To others, the Point Grey Road is a an utter failure and a huge inconvenience.
Kitsilano residents staged a rally Monday, January 20 to protest the closure of Point Grey Road to through traffic.The project has divided residents and politicians and has prompted a lawsuit threat from the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce.
From the Province: Critics say the closure will divert an estimated 10,000 vehicles a day to secondary streets, while turning Point Grey Road into a private driveway for expensive waterfront homes. The closure did not appear to impact major arteries. TransLink said buses in the area did not experience significant delays, even during rush hour.
From Metro: Proponents argued removing commuter cars from the residential street would help slow traffic and increase safety.
Are you in favour of the Point Grey Road closure? Why or why not? Weigh in below.
