MAPLE RIDGE, BC, Aug.28, 2026 — As students prepare to return to school, the City continues to invest in transportation infrastructure to help students, families and staff travel safely to and from local schools.
The City is reminding drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and others to help create safer school routes by staying alert, slowing down and sharing the road responsibly.
Transportation Improvements Supporting School Travel
The City continues to invest in practical transportation and pedestrian-safety improvements that support safer, more accessible and connected travel throughout the community. Recent and upcoming work includes:
- A new gravel pathway connecting Hynes Street to the crosswalk near Whonnock Elementary School, providing a safer, more convenient route for students.
- Multi-use path extension on 216 Street, from Lougheed Highway to Dewdney Trunk Road, improving active transportation connections in the area.
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB), including a new RRFB crosswalk on 132 Avenue (near the overflow parking lot across from Maple Ridge Park), upgrades to the existing RRFB crosswalk at 124 Avenue and Gray Street, and conversion of 12 existing crosswalks to RRFB-enhanced crossings throughout the community.
- Paving on 126 Avenue following the installation of a new watermain.
- Installation of 18 school-zone pavement decals, building on the 31 decals installed in 2025.
As part of annual back-to-school operations, the City pauses all non-emergency work in and around school zones at the beginning of the school year. This helps minimize disruptions and supports safe travel.
Funding for these projects is from the City’s Capital Plan.
The ABCDs of Pedestrian and Driver Safety
As part of its Safe and Active School Travel Program, the City is reminding everyone about the ABCDs of Pedestrian and Driver Safety:
- Alert: Stay focused on your surroundings. Avoid phones and headphones, watch for pedestrians between parked cars, and stop for school buses when lights are flashing.
- Bright: Wear bright colours and add reflectors to bags and clothing to improve visibility.
- Cross Safely: Use crosswalks and pedestrian signals. Look left-right-left, shoulder check, follow crossing guard directions and make eye contact with drivers where possible.
- Decrease Speed: The speed limit in school zones on school days is 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Playground-zone speed limits are in effect from dawn to dusk.
Consider walking, cycling, carpooling, taking transit, walkpooling, or parking a few blocks away to help keep school areas safe and reduce congestion. Participating in active transportation can help support children’s health, confidence and readiness to learn when they arrive at school.
Drivers are asked to:
- Park legally: Follow posted signs and keep bus zones, crosswalks, corners, driveways, and emergency access clear.
- Avoid double parking: Use designated pick-up areas or park farther away and walk.
- Watch for children: Drive slowly, stay alert, and be prepared to stop.
- Plan ahead: Allow extra time; bylaw officers will be monitoring school areas.
School Partnership Programs
The City works with School District No. 42 and Fraser Health to support active school travel programming at local schools. Programs encourage students and families to choose safe, healthy and sustainable ways to get to and from school.
Initiatives include:
- Best Routes to School maps
- Walking School Bus opportunities
- Educational sessions and resources for students, staff and families
- Incentives to promote active school travel
Transportation Education and Enforcement
The City also supports programs that help residents develop safe travel habits and build confidence travelling by foot and bicycle, including:
• Ride the Road Program: A HUB Cycling program that builds cycling skills and confidence. Learn more at MapleRidge.ca/RideTheRoad.
• Road Safety Program: RCMP and volunteers monitor school zones and educate drivers about the importance of slowing down. Learn more at MapleRidge.ca/RoadSafety.
E-Scooter Safety
Residents are reminded to know the rules before riding an e-scooter. E-scooters are not permitted on Maple Ridge public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, sports fields or multi-use paths alongside roads. E-bikes (motor-assisted bicycles) are permitted where bicycles are allowed: on roads, bike lanes, and multi-use paths; not sidewalks.
Different rules apply to e-bikes, e-dirt bikes and limited-speed motorcycles. Learn more at MapleRidge.ca/Micromobility.
Stay Smart. Stay Active. Stay Safe.
For active school travel safety tips and initiatives, visit MapleRidge.ca/SchoolTravel.
Residents are encouraged to report locations that could benefit from crosswalks or other improvements at MapleRidge.ca/Report.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca