About the project

This project will:

• Establish a safer and more comfortable separated cycling path that connects Balsam St to Ogden Ave across the park for all users, including children, families, and people with reduced mobility
• Improve entryways into the park

We are aware of the challenges associated with the bike and pedestrian routes in this area and will work with the public and stakeholders to find solutions that work for everyone.

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  Temporary separated bike path and safety improvements

  In May 2021, we installed a temporary:

  • Separated bike path in spring 2021 through the Kitsilano Beach Park south parking lot near Cornwall Avenue
  • Gravel path along the existing diagonal dirt pathway at the southwest corner of the park near Balsam Street

  These temporary modifications:

  • Are expected to be in place until 2023
  • Are intended to improve safety for all park users until a fully separated bike path is identified through public engagement
  • Will reduce conflicts between cyclists and drivers in the parking lot

  Because of the high numbers of people biking through the park and the growing numbers of people cycling due to the pandemic, keeping people who walk/roll and cyclists separated will improve the experience of all park users.

  Learn more: Review frequently asked questions PDF file (163 KB)

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  Engagement process

  We will engage on the planning and design of a preferred alignment for a separated cycling path that will improve safety and accessibility for park users. A variety of alignment options will be presented for review and evaluation.

  Review project timeline for more details and sign up to be notified when engagement is open.

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  Project history

  • In October 2013, the Park Board approved a preliminary alignment for a separated cycling path and capital funding for Seaside Greenway improvements in Kitsilano Beach Park. However, implementation of the path was put on hold due to concerns raised by the public about impacts on Kitsilano Beach Park.
  • Staff presented a few alignment options for a separated cycling path to the Board in March 2018:
    • 2018 report PDF file (1.5 MB) 
    • 2018 presentation PDF file (9 MB)
    • Staff presentation video clip
  • Park Board Commissioners expressed concerns PDF file (226 KB) over the apparent lack of detail and directed staff to undertake further analysis and design work, and conduct more public engagement, and then report back with more detailed information. Review a summary of the feedback PDF file (705 KB) 
  • Staff worked to develop more detailed design information and provided an update to the Board in March 2020 PDF file (263 KB), but with staff turnover and the onset of the pandemic, Park Board priorities changed.
  • A February 2021 Board briefing memo PDF file (304 KB) provided an update on the project, including temporary safety improvements and upcoming public engagement
  • In mid-May, staff implemented these temporary safety improvements, which included a separated cycling path in the south parking lot near Cornwall Avenue and a diagonal path near Balsam Street. These changes, detailed in a briefing memo PDF file (239 KB) dated May 4, 2021, were made to address short-term safety concerns while work is underway, to identify a route for a separated cycling path
  • A Park Board General Manager’s report PDF file (294 KB) and presentation PDF file (1.7 MB) at the Park Board meeting held on July 19, 2021 outlined three rounds of public engagement that will help determine the preferred cycle path route
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  Related documents and policies

  • Climate Emergency Action Plan
  • VanPlay Framework
  • VanSplashAquatic Strategy
  • Transportation 2040