Metro Vancouver’s cycling network nearly tripled in a decade

The length of bikeways in the Metro Vancouver region has nearly tripled in a decade, according to a the first ever State of Cycling Report for Metro Vancouver.

The length of the bikeways increased from 1,700 kilometres in 2009 to 4,600 kilometres in 2019, according to the report prepared jointly by HUB Cycling and TransLink.

Here are some other key findings:

The share of female cyclists in Metro Vancouver grew from 33 per cent to 35 per cent between 2006 and 2016.

60 per cent of Metro Vancouver residents live near a bikeway that is considered comfortable for most people.

The percentage of commuters using sustainable modes as their primary source of transportation has increased from 24 per cent in 2011 to 27 per cent in 2017.

In areas where the network has grown or improved, the rate of cycling collisions has dropped, and the number of cycling trips have increased dramatically, the report finds.

HUB Cycling and TransLink engaged with 21 local municipalities, one Electoral Area, and one Treaty First Nation to develop a framework for classifying the nature and comfort levels of different cycle route types.

While the region has come a long way in building more bikeways, more can be done to make the network more comfortable for people who cycle, according to the report.

The report also shows that only 46 per cent of bikeways are comfortable for most people.

“HUB Cycling’s goal for the project is to advance the development of a complete regional cycling network that is accessible and comfortable to people of all ages and abilities” said Jeff Leigh, HUB Cycling’s Vice President.

TransLink said it has invested approximately $15 million in 2019 to build new or improve existing Metro Vancouver cycle paths.

The data will also be shared with regional municipalities and the Province of British Columbia to help make recommendations about future cycling infrastructure investments.