Cycling

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FAQs: For local and visiting cyclists

Where can I get a map of Vancouver's bike routes? What about bike route maps for other municipalities?

Maps of Vancouver's bicycle routes are available online, at Vancouver City Hall, by calling the Bicycle Hotline at 604-871-6070 or by e-mail at cycling@vancouver.ca. Maps are also often available at Vancouver libraries, community centres and some bicycle stores. A regional map of bicycle routes is produced by Metro Vancouver and administered by TransLink.

What is the Bicycle Hotline?

This is the number to call for answers to your questions about cycling-related issues -- route information, maps, updates on one of our current projects, or reporting an unsafe situation such as a pothole, or glass on a bikeway. If we can't answer your question, chances are we can direct you to someone who can.

Phone: 3-1-1

E-mail: cycling@vancouver.ca

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How do I get a bicycle courier licence in Vancouver?

To be a bicycle courier in Vancouver, you must purchase a license from the City. You must first apply and pass a written test. These tests are administered by the Licensing Department in the East Wing of City Hall.

For more information: Bike Courier Guide

Licence Department: 604.873.7568

How do I get to downtown from the airport by bike?

Cycle east on Grant McConachie Way, the main road to/from the airport, and cross the Arthur Laing Bridge. Take the Granville Street exit from the bridge and follow the bike route signs to the Cypress and Southwest Marine Bike routes. Continue north on the Cypress Bikeway to the intersection of Cypress and Cornwall (approximately 9 km from the Arthur Laing Bridge). Turn right to access the Burrard Bridge into downtown.

Also see the regional bike map.

How do I get to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal from the airport?

From level 1 at the Vancouver International Airport, take the 424 Airport Station bus to the Airport Station Terminal and transfer to the 620 Tsawassen Ferry Bus. The buses are equipped with bicycle racks that carry up to two bicycles at a time.

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I can't ride my bike through the George Massey Tunnel. How do I get through it?

Public transit buses that run through the tunnel are equipped with bicycle racks that carry two bikes at a time. During the summer months, Mainland Contracting runs a shuttle service between the north end of the tunnel and the Town and Country Inn at the south end of the tunnel.

Where can I rent a bike in Vancouver?

Search the Vancouver Yellow Pages for Bicycle Rental listings

Where can I find out about mountain biking in the Vancouver area?

Pacific Spirit Park in the University Endowment Lands and the North Shore mountains are great places for mountain biking. Contact Metro Vancouver Parks and the North Shore Mountain Biking Association for further information.

Can I take my bike on the SeaBus? SkyTrain? West Coast Express?

You can take your bike on the SeaBus and the West Coast Express at all hours. Bikes are now permitted on SkyTrain at all times except in rush hour, in the peak direction of travel.

Full details are available through TransLink website or by calling 604.953.3333.

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Where can I register my bike?

Bike Registry Canada is Canada's only national bicycle database.

For more information: bikeregistrycanada Outside Website

Phone: 1.800.358.8164

Can I ride my bike on the sidewalk?

It is illegal to ride a bicycle on any sidewalk unless directed by a sign (Province of British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act- Section 183)

How can I request enforcement of cycling related issues?

You may contact the Vancouver Police Department, who are the agency empowered to enforce illegal behaviour (by motor vehicles, cyclists, etc). You can contact the VPD's Traffic Section directly at 604.717.2997 or email them at vpd@vpd.ca and put the phrase "Enforcement request" into the subject line area. If you would like to request specific enforcement at a particular location, please provide them with the following details:

  • location (i.e) intersection
  • typical day of the week
  • times/period of worst infractions
  • description of incident/violations, including relevant traffic signage

Who do I contact to report a pothole on a bike route?

Please contact the Streets Operations Branch to report potholes on bike routes at 604.871.6200 or email streets.operations@vancouver.ca with as much specific information as possible (i.e. provide the closest street address).

What are the regulations regarding electric bicycles?

The Motor Vehicle Act was recently modified to include a class of Power Assisted Bicycles (PABs). See Federal Guidelines External Website and the BC rules External Website. These state that PABs are limited to an electric motor of 500W output and a maximum speed of 32km/h. You must be at least 16 years of age to operate an e-bike. Operators must comply with all regulations pertaining to bicycles (see Cycling Laws and By-laws). A license or insurance to use an electric bike on public roads in Vancouver is not required. Electric bicycles are prohibited on the Seawall.

Bikeway FAQ - Cycling - City of Vancouver

What is the City doing to accomodate e-bike charging?

In 2008 the City of Vancouver passed new by-laws that will support bicycle and electric bicycle ownership. This new by-law requires off-street bicycle storage rooms to now have dedicated outlets to charge electric bikes. Each two Class A bicycle spaces must have an electric outlet.

For more information: Parking By-law

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