New

Guide to cycling

Everything you need to know to get around by bicycle:
safety tips, signs and local laws, and links to maps and routes.

Routes

Whether you are cycling within the city limits or travelling out of or into Vancouver, there are routes for riders of all abilities. Extend your ride by taking your bike on transit.

Maps

Vancouver cycling map  (11 MB)

TransLink cycling maps for Metro Vancouver

Road closure map

Safety

Our top safety tips are also the law: always remember your helmet, and use a white headlight and rear red light and reflector after dark, when it's foggy, or when it's raining.

Be visible

In addition to using headlights and rear lights when it's dark, rainy, or foggy:

  • Wear bright or reflective clothing
  • Attach reflectors to your tires, wheels, and bike frame
  • Use reflective stickers on your helmet and bag

Position yourself

When you ride:

  • Use designated crossing points
  • Use designated bike lanes and routes when possible
  • Keep at least 1 m away from parked cars when on the road

Be considerate

To keep you and others safe:

  • Dismount or bike at walking speed in crowds
  • Walk your bike on sidewalks and through crosswalks unless otherwise posted
  • Obey the 15 km/h speed limit on shared pathways like the Seawall

Get more safety tips

Road markings

Know what these symbols and road markings mean to help keep you safe, whether you're cycling, driving, rolling, or walking.

Laws

In Vancouver, you can ride your bicycle on roads, in protected bike lanes, and, when signs permit, on the Seawall and park paths. 

Electric-assisted bikes, skateboards, push scooters, rollerblades, and rollerskates are also allowed in protected bike lanes.

Review where it's ok to cycle, ride, and skate

City bylaw

The Street and Traffic Bylaw (808 KB) regulates how City streets are used by everyone. 

Holding handle bars (Section 41)

Slow vehicles on right (Section 59)

Sidewalks, safety bells, helmets, and arrests (Section 60 A-F)

Motor assisted bikes on the Seawall, adjacent paths (Section 89A)

Park Board bylaw

The Parks Control Bylaw regulates how park paths and the Seawall are used.

Parks Control Bylaw

Provincial laws

The BC Motor Vehicle Act sets provincial rules.

Bike helmets (Section 184) 

Motor assisted cycles (Section 182.1) 

Motor assisted cycle regulation (separate bulletin) 

Cyclist rights and duties (Section 183) 

 

Bike registry

Register your bicycle on the 529 Garage mobile app or website for free. If your bike is stolen, this will significantly improve the chances of finding it.   

Report

Quickly report issues and request City services with our Van311 app.

Download Van311

Or use the links below to try Van311 in your browser.