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Campaign Overview
About Maze Gates
Maze gates (also called baffle gates or bicycle stop baffles) are restrictive barriers installed at trail entrances and road crossings throughout Township of Langley. While designed to slow cyclists and prevent motor vehicle access, these gates create significant barriers for many trail users.
These gates restrict access for families with bike trailers, cargo bikes, users with mobility devices, and anyone who doesn't fit the narrow profile these gates assume. They particularly impact parents cycling with children, people using adaptive cycles, and delivery workers using cargo bikes.
The Victory
After years of advocacy by HUB Cycling Langley and community support mobilized by Strong Towns Langley, Township Council unanimously approved:
- Elimination of maze gates from new developments
- $135,000 pilot project to retrofit 25+ existing gates
- Commitment to a comprehensive retrofit plan for remaining gates
This represents a major step toward truly accessible trails for all users. Strong Towns Langley and HUB Cycling will continue working with Township staff to ensure successful implementation and advocate for complete elimination of these exclusionary barriers.
Access Barrier: Typical maze gate showing the narrow opening that restricts many legitimate trail users. Soon to be replaced!
Campaign Impact & Community Engagement
Community Initiative: Strong Towns Langley members and advocates celebrate the approval of the pilot project to eliminate maze gates, Nov 3rd 2025. Gaith Sarhan (left) and Laura Stepney (right) who played pivotal roles in this campaign.
Maze Gates Mapped
Documented throughout TownshipAI-Generated Emails
Sent to Council via our toolManual Emails
Written by engaged residentsHUB Cycling Advocacy
Since 2018How We Made This Happen:
Data Collection & Mapping
Through crowdsourced data collection, we documented over 266 maze gate locations throughout the Township, provided to staff. Staff expanded upon this, creating a comprehensive dataset of 447 maze gates.
Community Outreach
Our AI-powered email generator made it easy for residents to contact Council. Combined with manual emails and social media engagement, we demonstrated broad community support.
Social Media Campaign
Short-form videos on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok raised awareness about accessibility barriers and reached thousands of community members.
Coalition Building
Strong Towns Langley partnered with HUB Cycling Langley, leveraging their years of advocacy experience to create a unified voice for change.
Lessons for Other Campaigns
This campaign's success shows that combining thorough documentation, technology-enabled engagement, multimedia outreach, and coalition-building can achieve meaningful policy change. The comprehensive staff report was made possible by community-collected data, and Council's unanimous support reflected the broad base of community engagement.
Campaign Timeline
HUB Cycling Langley Advocacy
HUB Cycling Langley has been advocating for the removal of maze gates since 2018, documenting accessibility issues and proposing alternative solutions like bollards.
Visit HUB LangleyCouncil Motion Success
Councillor Pratt successfully brings forward a Notice of Motion asking staff to examine potential changes to eliminate bicycle stop baffles in favor of more accessible trail barriers.
Strong Towns Langley Social Media and Public Awareness Campaign
Launch of community awareness campaign which includes short videos on social media, highlighting accessibility issues and family impact.
Comprehensive Staff Report Released
Township Engineering releases detailed memo identifying 447 baffle gate locations with three retrofit options and cost estimates. Staff recommends a $100,000 pilot project to retrofit up to 20 locations, prioritized by proximity to schools, parks, and recreation facilities.
Council Unanimously Approves Pilot Project
Councillor Michael Pratt's motion passes unanimously! Council approves $135,000 for the pilot project to retrofit maze gates along Perry Evans Trail and in the Richard Bulpitt neighbourhood, directs staff to eliminate baffle gates from new developments, and commits to a comprehensive retrofit plan for remaining gates.
Bylaw Update & Pilot Project Implementation
Subdivision Bylaw update anticipated to eliminate baffle gates from new developments. Pilot project will retrofit approximately 25 baffle gate locations along Perry Evans Trail and in the Richard Bulpitt neighbourhood. Staff will work with cycling advocates and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive retrofit plan for remaining gates near schools, parks, and recreation facilities.
1st Motion to Council - April 28, 2025
In at the April 28 2025 Township of Langley council meeting, Councillor Michael Pratt brought forward this motion:
Potentially Reducing Barriers for Urban Trail Users
Whereas the Township of Langley's Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw includes Section L4 – 'Trails', which details the design standards that all Urban and Rural trails are built to;
Whereas Section L4.4 – 'Restrictive Barriers' details the types of barriers that are used where trails intersect with driveways and intersecting roads, which includes a "bicycle stop baffle" at the entrance of trails;
Whereas these bicycle stop baffles are designed to reduce negative interactions between cyclists and pedestrians, but limit the ability for various users, such as those with cargo bikes and bikes with passenger trailers, in using the Township's expanding trail network; and
Whereas there are potentially other barrier types that can be used to slow cyclists and prevent access to automobiles while still facilitating the safe use of trails by all users;
Therefore be it resolved that Council be updated by staff on work being undertaken to identify potential changes to the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw that may eliminate the use of bicycle stop baffles on the Township of Langley's Urban Trail network in favour of other, more accessible trail barriers; and
Be it further resolved that staff include in the update to Council a list of locations of current bicycle stop baffles in areas of key importance to the Township's urban cycling network, and that this list include potential costs associated with the replacement of the bicycle stop baffles with more accessible trail barriers.
This motion carried unanimously and was the first significant victory for accessibility advocates and demonstrates Council's recognition that current infrastructure creates barriers for legitimate trail users.
Staff Memo - October 31, 2025
Engineering Division Report: "Reducing Barriers to Urban Trail Users"
In response to the April 2025 Council motion, Township Engineering staff undertook an extensive review of baffle gates throughout Langley and provided a comprehensive analysis with retrofit options and cost estimates.
Key Findings
- 447 total baffle gates identified throughout Township
- 85 gates at steep hills or railway crossings (should remain for safety)
- 362 optional gates that could be retrofitted
- Best practices review from 17 Lower Mainland municipalities
- 2026 Bylaw update planned to eliminate baffle gates from new developments
Retrofit Options & Costs
- Option 1: Remove one baffle - $2,000 per location
- Option 2: Remove both, install bollard - $5,500 per location
- Option 3: Increase spacing - $5,500 per location
- Total cost estimates: $1.2M to $2.5M for all optional gates
- Staff recommendation: $100,000 pilot project for ~20 locations
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommended a $100,000 pilot project to retrofit approximately 20 baffle gate locations, prioritized based on proximity to schools, parks, and recreation facilities. The pilot would help confirm actual retrofitting costs and inform a comprehensive retrofit plan for the remaining gates.
Safety Considerations
The memo acknowledged that while baffle gates create accessibility barriers, they were originally installed to address safety concerns including steep grades, limited sightlines, high pedestrian activity, road crossings, railway crossings, and motor vehicle encroachment prevention.
Regional Context
Staff research found that 9 of 17 surveyed Lower Mainland municipalities are removing or have removed most baffle gates. The 2019 BC Active Transportation Design Guide recommends avoiding rigid bollards or baffle gates unless there's demonstrated history of motor vehicle encroachment or collision history.
File No: 8330-20-002 | Published: October 31, 2025 | Presented to Council: November 3, 2025
2nd Motion to Council - November 3, 2025
In at the November 3 2025 Township of Langley council meeting, Councillor Michael Pratt brought forward this motion in response to the staff memo:
That Council directs staff to use alternate design options for all new barrier locations instead of baffle gate design TLR 21, except for steep grades or exceptional circumstances for pedestrian safety where additional space may be more appropriate, while the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw update is being undertaken;
That Council authorize $135,000 with $100,000 from Capital Projects Reserve and $35,000 from Council Contingency to be used to retrofit baffle gates along the Perry Evans Trail between 202 Street and 76 Avenue, as well as all other baffle gates within the boundaries of 208 Street, 212 Street, 80 Avenue and 76 Avenue as part of a retrofit pilot project; and
That staff Report to Council on a potential plan for the ongoing retrofit of current baffle gate locations prioritized based on proximity to schools, parks, and recreation facilities, with input from cycling advocates, informed by the results of the retrofit pilot project.
Council Discussion Highlights:
- Councillors discussed the importance of balancing safety with accessibility
- Staff confirmed they will assess each location on a site-by-site basis
- The motion allows flexibility to use either increased spacing or bollards (TLR22 standard)
- Approximately 25 gates will be retrofitted in the pilot project
- 447 total baffle gates have been identified township-wide
What This Achieves:
- Immediate action on the most problematic gates
- Design standards update to prevent new maze gates
- Data-driven approach through the pilot project
- Community input from cycling advocates
- Long-term plan for remaining 360+ optional gates
- Enhanced funding - $35k more than staff recommended
This motion represents a major victory for accessibility and demonstrates Council's commitment to ensuring Langley's trails are welcoming to all users.
CAMPAIGN SUCCESS - November 2025
Council Unanimously Approves Pilot Project!
On November 3, 2025, Township Council unanimously approved Councillor Michael Pratt's motion to begin eliminating maze gates from Langley's trail network. This is a major victory for accessibility and active transportation!
What Council Approved:
Eliminate Maze Gates from New Developments
Staff will use alternate design options for all new barrier locations instead of baffle gate design, except for steep grades or exceptional circumstances where additional space may be more appropriate.
$135,000 Pilot Project (More Than Recommended!)
Staff recommended $100,000, but Council approved $135,000 - adding an extra $35,000 from Council Contingency to expand the pilot scope. Funds will retrofit baffle gates along the Perry Evans Trail (between 202 Street and 76 Avenue) and all baffle gates within the Richard Bulpitt neighbourhood (boundaries: 208 Street, 212 Street, 80 Avenue, and 76 Avenue). Approximately 25 gates total.
Funding breakdown: $100,000 from Capital Projects Reserve + $35,000 from Council Contingency
Ongoing Retrofit Plan
Staff will report to Council on a comprehensive plan for retrofitting remaining baffle gates, prioritized by proximity to schools, parks, and recreation facilities, with input from cycling advocates.
Thank You!
This victory wouldn't have been possible without:
- Gaith Sarhan - Advocate at Strong Towns Langley and HUB Cycling, whose tireless work with the Township Engineering department was instrumental
- Laura Stepney - Advocate at Strong Towns Langley who promoted this campaign and linked others to this website with community initiatives
- HUB Cycling Langley - Leading this advocacy effort since 2018
- Councillor Michael Pratt - For bringing forward the original motion and this successful implementation plan
- Township of Langley Mayor and Council - For unanimous support and commitment to accessibility
- Township Engineering Department - For their comprehensive analysis and recommendations
- Community members - Everyone who shared their stories, contacted Council, and supported this campaign
By the Numbers
(+$35K above staff recommendation!)
What Happens Next?
Township staff will begin planning the pilot project retrofits in 2026. Strong Towns Langley and HUB Cycling will continue working with staff to ensure the project's success and help prioritize future retrofits based on community needs.
Maze Gate Locations
Explore Cycling in Langley
Learn more about Langley's cycling network, infrastructure types, and resources. Our comprehensive cycling guide includes an interactive map, route information, and tips for cyclists of all levels.
View Cycling Guide
Social Media Campaign
Short-Form Video Series on Instagram, YouTube & TikTok
"Eliminate the Maze Gates"
Introduction slideshow showcasing maze gate locations around the Township
"Real-World Impact on Mobility Users"
Overhead footage of mobility scooter navigating maze gates at two locations
In July 2025, Strong Towns Langley launched a social media awareness campaign featuring short 60-second videos highlighting the accessibility barriers created by maze gates throughout the Township. The videos use Meghan Trainor's "No" as their soundtrack - a fitting choice since maze gates effectively say "no" to many legitimate trail users who should have access to our public pathways.
The first video introduces viewers to the scope of the maze gate problem across the Township and encourages them to contact Township Engineering. The second video demonstrates real-world impact by showing a mobility scooter attempting to navigate two different maze gate locations:
- 212A Place near James Kennedy Elementary: The narrow gate completely blocks the mobility scooter, despite the pathway already being too narrow for vehicles - making the restrictive gate both unnecessary and exclusionary.
- 211 Street near West Langley Elementary: While the scooter can navigate this wider gate, the footage illustrates the anxiety and difficulty these barriers create for people who depend on mobility devices.
These videos help illustrate that maze gates don't just inconvenience families with trailers or cargo bikes - they can completely exclude people using mobility devices, violating the principle that public trails should be accessible to everyone.
Regional Success Story: Coquitlam's Maze Gate Removal
Other municipalities are taking steps to eliminate maze gates.
"De-mazed": Coquitlam Eliminates Maze Gates from Trail Network
It can be done! In 2023, the City of Coquitlam officially removed maze gates from their design guidelines and began systematically eliminating these accessibility barriers from their trail network.
150+
Total maze gates identified32
Gates removed or plannedWorking with HUB Cycling, Coquitlam recognized that "maze/baffle gates improves accessibility for all users as they can be challenging to navigate for individuals with mobility aids, strollers, and bikes."
What Coquitlam Did Right
- Removed maze gates from design standards
- Prioritized high-traffic areas (schools, parks, transit)
- Partnered with cycling advocacy groups
- Systematic removal with clear timeline
Implementation Details
- Cost: $500-$1,500 per gate removal
- Replacement: Single posts or bollards
- Timeline: Phased approach over multiple years
- Priority: High-use trail connections
The Langley Opportunity
Coquitlam's success demonstrates that maze gate removal is achievable, cost-effective, and improves accessibility for everyone. With Councillor Pratt's motion already directing staff to study alternatives, Langley is positioned to follow Coquitlam's lead and create truly accessible trails for all users.
Who Maze Gates Exclude
- Families with Children: Parents using bike trailers or cargo bikes to transport kids
- Adaptive Cyclists: People using hand cycles, trikes, or other mobility devices
- Cargo Bike Users: Delivery workers, grocers, or anyone transporting goods
- Tandem Cyclists: Couples or families using tandem bicycles
- E-bike Users: Some e-bikes are wider than traditional bicycles
- Emergency Services: Paramedics or police using specialized bikes
Better Alternatives
- Removable Bollards: Prevent motor vehicle access while allowing all cycles to pass
- Flexible Bollards: Bend when contacted but spring back, allowing wider vehicles when needed
- Spaced Bollards: Multiple bollards with adequate spacing for cargo bikes and trailers
- Surface Treatment: Textured pavement that alerts users to slow down
Stay Involved in Implementation
How You Can Stay Involved:
- Monitor Progress: Stay informed about the pilot project's implementation in 2026. We'll be tracking progress and working with Township staff.
- Share Your Experience: As gates are retrofitted, share your positive experiences using the improved trails. This helps build momentum for future retrofits.
- Support Future Phases: The pilot project covers 25+ gates. There are 360+ more optional gates to retrofit. Stay engaged to support comprehensive implementation.
- Join the Movement: Connect with Strong Towns Langley and HUB Cycling Langley to support ongoing advocacy efforts for accessible infrastructure.
- Spread the Word: Share this success story with other communities facing similar accessibility barriers. Our campaign model can be replicated!
Want to Shape More of Langley?
This maze gates victory is just one example of how community advocacy can create positive change. Strong Towns Langley is working on multiple campaigns to make our community more livable, sustainable, and accessible.
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Join WhatsAppWhat's Next:
In 2026, Township staff will:
- Update the Subdivision Bylaw to eliminate maze gates from new developments
- Begin retrofitting the 25+ gates in the pilot project area
- Work with cycling advocates to develop a comprehensive retrofit plan
- Report back to Council on pilot project results and recommendations for remaining gates
Together, we've achieved a major victory for accessible infrastructure. Let's ensure this success leads to complete elimination of these barriers throughout Langley's trail network!
Trails for Everyone
This victory brings us closer to our goal: ensuring all trail users can access Langley's beautiful trail network safely and equitably.
Stay UpdatedProgress Tracker
Partner Organizations
HUB Cycling Langley
HUB Cycling Langley has been the leading advocate for maze gate removal since 2018. They've documented accessibility issues, engaged with Township staff, and continue to push for inclusive cycling infrastructure.
Visit HUB LangleyRelated Strong Towns Campaigns
This campaign connects to our broader advocacy for accessible, people-centered infrastructure throughout Langley.
View All Campaigns