Frequently asked questions
Why is the City installing separated bike lanes?
The experience in other cities suggests that the perception of safety is essential to attracting more people to cycling and that separated bike lanes are perceived to be safer and more satisfying to cyclists than cycling next to traffic.
What is the purpose of adding separated bike lanes in the downtown?
Separated bike lanes contribute to a cyclist's feeling of safety and comfort and draw people to cycle who might not otherwise do so. They help to continue the shift toward green transportation alternatives. They also make the walking environment for pedestrians more comfortable.
Why was Hornby Street chosen to have separated bike lanes?
The City evaluated the options for connecting the Burrard Bridge separated bike lanes to Dunsmuir and through downtown using the matrix below. Hornby Street offers the best option, including having a safe route that isn’t a major bus or truck route, among other factors.
| Factors | Thurlow | Burrard | Hornby |
| Existing bike route | No | Yes | Yes |
| Existing bike volume | Low | High | High |
| Existing vehicle volume | High | Medium | Medium |
| Existing transit | Yes | Yes | No |
| Existing truck route | No | Yes | No |
| Desired cycling route | No | Yes | Yes |
| On-street loading zone affected | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| On-street parking affected | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Potential cost share | No | No | Yes |
| Good safety | Yes | No | Yes |
| Vehicle capacity loss | Low | High | Medium |
Factor rating: Positive l Neutral l Negative
Why was Dunsmuir Street chosen to have separated bike lanes?
Dunsmuir Street was selected for separated bike lanes as the east-west connection to close the gaps downtown between the Dunsmuir Viaduct separated bike lanes and the Burrard Bridge bike lanes. Dunsmuir Street is already designated as a cycling route.
Why not a painted bike lane instead?
Painted bike lanes do not provide cyclists with the same level of comfort as physically separated bike lanes. The City of Vancouver already has painted bike lanes downtown. Staff have heard from the the cycling community that the painted bike lanes are acceptable for brave cyclists, but it is not good at attracting new people to cycling, especially the older and younger generations.
How will the separated bike lanes be monitored?
The City of Vancouver will undertake several monitoring measures to assess the impact of the trial, including counts of all types of traffic, on-site monitoring, online forum, 3-1-1 call monitoring, and social media.
How can I contact the City with my comments or questions?
We welcome all feedback on this iniative. E-mail us at bikevancouver@vancouver.ca or call us at 3-1-1. Depending on the volume of calls we receive and the nature of the question, it may take up to a week for you to hear from us. We appreciate your patience on this matter.
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