Report Outlines Good News for Vancouver Cyclists

The cycling network in Metro Vancouver continues to grow, with a new report showing significant strides in both infrastructure and safety for cyclists. TransLink and HUB Cycling have released the second edition of the State of Cycling report, which highlights the expansion of traffic-separated bikeways across the region.

The report states that nearly 70% of Metro Vancouver residents now live within 400 meters of safer, traffic-separated bikeways, an increase from 65% in 2019. This expansion, the report explains, has contributed to an overall decrease in cycling collisions. Between 2018 and 2022, the collision rate involving cyclists dropped to 22.4 per million trips, down from 25.1 between 2013 and 2017.

“Since 2019, we have built 466 lane kilometers of traffic-separated bikeways, making it safer and easier for people to choose cycling,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO of TransLink. “That means fewer cars on the road, less congestion on our streets, and healthier communities at home.”

Additional findings in the report highlight the growing popularity of cycling in the region. During the summer, up to 400,000 adults in Metro Vancouver cycle at least once per week, and nearly 70% of adults who cycle in the summer want to cycle more. The proportion of cycling trips made by women and girls has increased to 37%, now representing a third of all cycling trips in the region.

Of course, many in the greater Vancouver area think more needs to be done right away.

Vancouver critical mass

“We have some amazing protected infrastructure in Vancouver, unfortunately too often a beautiful AAA (all ages and abilities) route simply ends dumping cyclists into busy intersections,” said a spokesperson for Critical Mass Vancouver. “During rush hour designated Local Street Bikeways are overrun by drivers searching for ways to bypass congestion on arterials. Greater Vancouver needs a holistic approach in creating inter-municipal AAA routes to allow commuters to safely and comfortably commute across the region.”

For example, Critical Mass Vancouver points to the importance of connecting existing infrastructure to create a protected route between Horseshoe Bay Ferry and Tsawwassen Ferry that intersects with a route from UBC to the Surrey with spur routes to New West, Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.

“This is not rocket science,” a spokesperson said. “Many sections already exist. Gaps can be closed, area that can not accomodate a fully protected lane.”

The report also underscores the role of cycling education in promoting active transportation. Since 2019, nearly 70% of students in grades 4 to 7 have completed cycling education programs, a factor that is expected to encourage more cycling as a preferred mode of transportation in adulthood. These programs are available in 19 of the 23 local governments in Metro Vancouver.

“HUB Cycling looks forward to the continued positive collaboration with TransLink to keep the State of Cycling initiative moving forward,” said Timothy Welsh, HUB Cycling’s Director of Program Development. “State of Cycling data will empower us to create an equitable, connected, safe, and welcoming cycle route network for all residents of our region.”

Looking to the future, the Access for Everyone plan aims to build an additional 450 kilometres of safer, traffic-separated cycling paths to better connect communities across the region. However, the plan still requires funding, and the report states that TransLink is working with the local government officials to secure the necessary financial support.