How White Rock's 'Seaside Stroll' and Langley's 'Railroad Heritage' crosswalks use TrafficPatterns preformed thermoplastic to make lasting community landmarks.
White Rock's Seaside Stroll crosswalk brings the waterfront into Uptown. Langley's Railroad Heritage decorative crosswalk marks the entrance to Linwood Park. Both cities used TrafficPatterns preformed thermoplastic, and both got a crosswalk people talk about.
Crosswalks are some of the most public parts of a city's infrastructure. Every pedestrian uses them and every driver sees them. For decades they were painted lines that faded and were repainted.
Across British Columbia, municipalities are putting local history and art into crosswalks and solving durability and safety problems at the same time. The material is TrafficPatterns preformed thermoplastic, a crosswalk surface that lasts, resists slipping and costs less over its service life.
Two standout examples showcase this transformation:
- White Rock's "Seaside Stroll": Designed by artist Amy Bao, bringing the waterfront into Uptown.
- Langley City's "Railroad Heritage": Connecting modern infrastructure to the city's historic railways.
White Rock: Seaside Stroll
From vision to reality
White Rock's Uptown district has long been overshadowed by the city's iconic waterfront. City leaders wanted to create a landmark that would make Uptown feel equally vibrant and connected to the community's identity. They commissioned Vancouver artist Amy (Yun Ru) Bao, known for her architectural eye and community-focused murals, to design a crosswalk mural that would carry the essence of the waterfront inland.
The result, Seaside Stroll, features flowing lines and bold colours that mimic the rhythm of waves and the tones of White Rock's sandy beaches. Positioned on Johnston Road, it greets thousands of pedestrians and drivers each day with a visual reminder of the seaside.
The challenge with painted or temporary murals is that they fade within months, especially under Canadian winters, road salt, and snowplows. White Rock needed a material that would maintain Amy's artistry without compromising safety or budget.
How TrafficPatterns made it possible
- Design fidelity: preformed panels captured the fine detail of the mural
- Slip resistance: grip for pedestrians in rain and snow
- UV and traffic durability: resisting fading and rutting even under heavy vehicle load
- Cost: a service life of 8+ years instead of repainting every season
Installation Process
Crews heat-applied TrafficPatterns panels, bonding the mural to the asphalt.
Community Impact
Residents immediately embraced Seaside Stroll. Local businesses noted more foot traffic, while visitors reported that the crosswalk added a sense of place and character to Uptown. An ordinary crossing became a conversation starter.
Langley: Railroad Heritage
A city rooted in rail
Langley City's identity is closely tied to its railway history. In the early 20th century, multiple rail lines connected the Fraser Valley to the rest of British Columbia, driving commerce and settlement. That history still shapes Langley's culture today, with heritage groups and landmarks reminding residents of their railway past.
In March 2025, the city unveiled a new decorative crosswalk at the entrance to Linwood Park. Installed by Square One Paving, the design was inspired by railroad tracks: tan rectangular panels mimicking wooden rail ties and white lines suggesting steel rails. The overall pattern ties directly to Langley's heritage railway roots.
For Langley, the crosswalk connects new infrastructure with the city's railway past. That meant the material had to do double duty.
Why TrafficPatterns was chosen
- Precision in design: capturing the geometry of ties and rails
- Durability: handling both vehicle wear and seasonal weather
- Safety: a skid-resistant crossing for pedestrians
- Beautification: adding visual appeal to the gateway of Linwood Park
TrafficPatterns delivered on all four.
Community Impact
The crosswalk quickly became a talking point for residents and visitors. Families heading into Linwood Park paused to explain the design to children, linking the city's present-day spaces with its past. The city positioned it as part of a broader beautification and safety initiative, blending utility with heritage branding.
