Separated bicycle lanes
Separated bicycle lanes are dedicated bike lanes where concrete medians and planters, bicycle parking corrals, or vehicle parking lanes, act as dividers between vehicle traffic and cyclists.
This increases feelings of safety and comfort, which makes cycling an attractive commuting option for those who are not used to riding their bikes regularly.
When pedestrians know that cyclists won't be using the sidewalks, pedestrians experience greater feelings of comfort when walking.
Map of Downtown Vancouver's separated bike lanes
This map shows how the separated bike lanes on Dunsmuir and Hornby Streets in Downtown Vancouver connect seamlessly to other bikeways. For a more detailed map of all bikeways in Vancouver, download the City's cycling routes map.
The map below shows the location of the initial separated bike lanes.
Separated bike lane statistics
Nine months (January to September)
| Bike lane | Jan 2011-Sept 2011 | Jan 2012-Sept 2012 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burrard Bridge | 879,000 | 861,000 | -2% |
| Hornby Street | 309,000 | 324,000 | +5% |
| Dunsmuir Street | 400,000 | 378,000 | -6% |
| Dunsmuir Viaduct | 344,000 | 350,000 | +2% |
The Hornby Street separated bike lane opened in January 2011.
One year (October to September)
| Bike lane | Oct 2010-Sept 2011 | Oct 2011-Sept 2012 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burrard Bridge | 1,040,000 | 1,031,000 | -1% |
| Dunsmuir Street | 480,000 | 477,000 | -1% |
| Dunsmuir Viaduct | 424,000 | 419,000 | -1% |
Painted bike lanes and separated bike lanes
This drawing shows the difference between the previously painted bike lane and the current separated bike lanes on Hornby Street.
Separated bike lanes provide two-way travel for cyclists on the same side. This can create the need for additional traffic signals for both cyclists and drivers.
