Controversy and Tensions Arise Following Removal of Stanley Park Bike Lane

When protected bike lanes get removed, it’s bad news for everyone, and nowhere is that more clear than in Vancouver right now. The removal of a protected bike lane in Stanley Park has created an unsafe situation for cyclists, according to some in the city.

A recent article published on a local Vancouver blog has brought to the forefront the concerns and tensions surrounding the removal of the temporary bike lane along Stanley Park Drive. Initially introduced in 2021 as a response to the pandemic, the bike lane aimed to ensure social distancing among cyclists and park-goers. However, its removal has generated widespread criticism and even resulted in a heated altercation during a Park Board meeting.

According to the Vancouver is Awesome report, many Vancouverites who supported the bike lane have organized protests and taken bold action, such as adorning the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation office with cyclist graffiti, in an effort to advocate for its preservation. Unfortunately, despite the local outcry, the Vancouver Park Board decided to revert most of Stanley Park Drive to its pre-pandemic two-lane vehicle traffic configuration, leading to the removal of the bike lane.

I just want to remind everyone that knobs like Bob were complaining for three years that the bike lane in #StanleyPark was causing this congestion. Well, that bike lane has been removed and here we are… No fucking kidding it had nothing to do with the bike lane. https://t.co/WH2xjW8eWB

— Martyn Schmoll (@martynschmoll) June 11, 2023

This move, in addition to other anti-cyclist steps the new Vancouver municipal government is taking has resulted in a return of the Vancouver Critical Mass Ride and other protests against the removal of the Stanley Park bike lane and other measures.

“For the first time in a generation, we have a mayor from the far right leading the city,” said one of the organizers of the critical mass ride. “A mayor whose first major action was to remove a popular AAA (All Ages and Abilities) protected bike lane from Stanley Park. The removal came with an estimated bill of $225k -$400k. The mayor cynically ordered the removal to be paid from the cycling infrastructure budget.”

A June update by the city of Vancouver provided additional details regarding the bike lane removal. The majority of the temporary bike lane has been removed, following the Vancouver Park Board’s decision to return Stanley Park Drive to its pre-pandemic traffic flow. The removal involved the dismantling of barriers and the repainting of new lines to mark the returning lane configuration. The park will now accommodate two lanes of vehicle traffic, with bikes and cars no longer being physically separated.

Signage has been put in place to indicate the changes in traffic direction, and minor adjustments will be made in the following weeks to support efficient travel through the park. However, all users, whether driving, cycling, or rolling through the park, are urged to be courteous, maintain a safe distance, and respect one another’s presence. The strict 30 km/h speed limit in Stanley Park should be adhered to by all drivers and cyclists.

Michael Caditz, an avid cyclist mentioned in the article, was quoted as saying that he has observed a significant increase in tension between drivers and cyclists since the bike lane’s removal. Caditz shared his experiences, revealing that he has witnessed drivers honking, yelling, and dangerously maneuvering around cyclists in an angry manner. This indicates that the absence of the bike lane has not resulted in a decrease in the number of cyclists on the road.

Contrary to expectations, Caditz reported seeing a substantial number of cyclists in Stanley Park even after the removal of the bike lane. On June 7, during his visit, he estimated encountering “hundreds and hundreds” of cyclists, including large groups. This challenges the assumption that removing the bike lane would discourage cyclists from using the road.

Caditz also highlighted the alarming observations he made regarding increased speeds and decreased caution among drivers in the park since the removal of the bike lane. With cars and cyclists now forced to share the same space, drivers have been veering recklessly in and out of the right lane to avoid cyclists, leading to erratic driving behaviors and an elevated risk for all road users. Tour buses have also exhibited similar behavior, exacerbating the need for caution and mutual respect on the road.

Verbal harassment directed at cyclists has become distressingly common since the bike lane’s removal. Caditz recounted incidents where drivers and pedestrians hurled derogatory phrases like “get out of my way” and “there’s no more bike lane.” These incidents exemplify the growing hostility that has emerged as a consequence of removing the bike lane.

In response to concerns about speeding, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has intensified its presence in Stanley Park to monitor drivers’ speeds.

A couple of reminders for motorists travelling through Stanley Park. First, a sign clearly displaying the 30 km/h speed limit. Second, @VPDTrafficUnit officer on his new e-bike conducting speed enforcement for those who chose to ignore the sign. #RoadSafety https://t.co/yMqqQ6JmI4

— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) June 7, 2023

Caditz emphasized the legal entitlement of cyclists to use the road alongside other vehicles, regardless of the presence of dedicated bike lanes. He drew attention to a particular section of Stanley Park Drive that poses a significant safety risk—a blind corner after Prospect Point with no shoulder. Caditz explained that cars often encounter surprise encounters with cyclists as they come around the corner, necessitating sudden swerves into the left lane. This dangerous situation not only jeopardizes the safety of cyclists but also puts scooter riders and mothers with strollers at risk.

“It’s a safety issue, not a privilege issue,” Caditz told Vancouver is Awesome. “It’s very dangerous to allow a mixture of cars and cyclists in the right lane.”

The next steps for the bike lane removal, according to the city, will involve more complex design and implementation work in the Ceperley Meadow area. This phase requires collaboration with an external contractor to ensure the safe coexistence of vehicle and bike traffic. .

The controversy surrounding the removal of the Stanley Park bike lane continues to unfold. The concerns raised by cyclists such as Caditz underline the heightened tensions and safety issues resulting from the removal. It is important for one of North America’s most bicycle-friendly cities to get back on track and start putting people first again, not motor vehicles.