by Jeenat Virk
Our physical surroundings can have an impact on how we go about our daily life. After surveying young adults aged 18-39 years old meeting the physical activity guidelines in Vancouver, BC and Richmond, BC it was intriguing to see that 46.7% of individuals are meeting the physical activity guidelines in Vancouver and only 37.2% in Richmond. Individuals in Vancouver are a lot more active and meeting the physical activity guidelines in comparison to those in Richmond. Vancouver is known for its local parks, sea wall, as well as many other tourist attractions which causes not only the tourists but even locals to spend more time outdoors being active.
Of course, Vancouver is known for its traffic and congestion however, that is why we see many bikes lanes as well as walking lanes available for the residents. These bike lanes and walking lanes is causing more locals to use their vehicles less as their primary mode of transportation. Not only are there more of these lanes available in Vancouver but it saves residents time when traveling in the city as they are able to avoid the traffic since the amenities are within close proximity. Surveys have also concluded that 52.7% of individuals either walk or bike to run their errands in Vancouver whereas only 48.5% of individuals do the following in Richmond. This is the reason as not only are there not enough bike and walking lanes found in Richmond but the amenities within the city are not located within close proximity of one another not making it realistic for individuals to bike or walk to run their errands.
Changes that can be made
After seeing the number of individuals in Richmond not meeting the physical activity guidelines it got me thinking of the improvements that can be made to increase these numbers. Since the amenities within the city of Richmond are located further apart from one another this may cause locals to use their vehicles instead. It is important to have an attraction with a view as it is a strategic way in getting more individuals out to visit as they have a purpose. Currently looking at the city of Richmond the one attraction site that I find most locals as well as tourists visit is Steveston Village. Steveston also includes Garry Point Park which is located right along the water. Looking at the current area having Steveston create a bike lane and walking lane that starts from the village next to the shops going all the way to Garry Point Park and looping back would be most beneficial. Creating a pathway already for individuals to follow would have individuals be more inclined as they just have to follow the route and not get lost. Locals could pack a small picnic and bike along the route to the park where they could have a picnic by the water and then continue along the path. Having this bike lane and walking lane would hopefully promote the locals in Richmond to take advantage of this and be more physically active especially because it is a scenic route all along.
References
Chan, K. (2019, June 15). Urbanized. BC government announces new funding for downtown Vancouver bike lanes. Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/bc-government-vancouver-bike-lane-funding-may-2019
Kids in Vancouver: 5 stroll-worthy seawalls in the city. Inside Vancouver. (2016, September 9). Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.insidevancouver.ca/2016/09/08/kids-in-vancouver-5-stroll-worthy-seawalls-in-the-city/
Photo: Beautiful Richmond…Wharf is all aglow. Richmond News. (n.d.). Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.richmond-news.com/local-news/photo-beautiful-richmondwharf-is-all-aglow-4268267
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