We have been working towards building a comprehensive downtown cycling network that:
- Provides a safer and more comfortable cycling environment for people of all ages and abilities
- Accommodates the loading and access needs of adjacent businesses, institutions, and residences
- Minimizes costs and disruptions by coordinating with repaving or development where possible, using primarily inexpensive measures such as paint and signs
- Maintains on-street parking where possible
- Reduces conflicts between vehicles, buses, and people cycling, walking, and rolling
The downtown bike network links many key destinations, including shopping streets, medical centres, cultural institutions, and major transit hubs. Bicycle ridership is growing on downtown routes, but there are gaps in the network and important destinations that are not connected to protected bike lanes.
What's happeningSmithe St (Richards to Thurlow St)
We’re planning to improve active transportation along Smithe St (Richards St to Thurlow St). The proposed upgrades will:
- Close major gaps in the existing bike network by providing an east-west connection between the West End and Cambie Bridge
- Create safer intersections for everybody through protected intersections
- Be delivered using a quick-build approach to minimize impacts
- Maintain sufficient vehicle capacity for volumes prior to COVID-19
Engagement feedback
In spring 2021, we engaged with stakeholders and public to gather feedback on a proposed design for Smithe Street upgrades.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. We have refined the design based on what we heard to improve safety and comfort for all road users.
Project documents
