Cycling/Biking in Vancouver, British Columbia

Truly one of Canada's most beautiful regions,cyclists. Several roadways in downtown Vancouver
Vancouver, with its mild year-round climate with fewhave specific lanes or are cycle-friendly. Other roads
snowfalls and cool summer temperatures meansare taken at the cyclist's risk. Remember, you are
strenuous (or leisurely) activities are popular within thesharing the road - holding back traffic on a one lane
city. One of Vancouver's most beloved activities isroadway is not good biking etiquette.
biking. With its dozens of bike friendly routes on the4. Seawall Cyclists (and pedestrians) must use
downtown streets, designated bike lanes on bridges todesignated pathways. The Seawall is arguably one of
keep cyclists safe and the twenty-two kilometreVancouver's most beautiful trips. Stretching along the
seawall trail starting at Canada Place by the BurrardPacific Ocean alongside Marinas, Stanley Park, forests,
Inlet, circling Stanley Park, alongside False Creek andunique neighbourhoods and beaches, its popularity
ending at Kitsilano Beach, biking is a popular means ofthroughout the year is limitless. This popularity
transit for commuters, visitors to the city, and leisuresimultaneously brings thousands of people, some which
seekers.do not understand the Seawall's construction.
Its rewards are numerous, cycling has become a sportPedestrians should adhere to the walkway closest to
for hundreds of riders in the city. It is not uncommon tothe shore and cyclists are usually on the left trail. All
see street bicycles (identifiable by the thin tires on theirbike and pedestrian paths are clearly signed.
wheels) racing along, their riders training for5. Pay attention to your cycling etiquette. You alone
competitions or just for fun. The back roads andare not the sole user of the dozens of bike lanes and
seawall are the most popular for cyclists in the city.pathways found throughout Vancouver. Be sure to
Although many lanes are designated for cycling usesignal when turning, use discretion, stop at all lights and
(especially during peak rush hour from 3pm to 6pm),signs (you are considered a vehicle!) and be aware of
most riders prefer the narrow bike lanes running alongyour surroundings. Try not to stop in the midst of a
several streets as well as inner city routes and thebusy bike path (such as the seawall) or bike adjacent
seawall which goes along many of the residentialto friends, preventing others from passing. Your ride will
neighbourhoods. It is important to follow the rules of thebe more enjoyable when you follow the rules and
road to ensure your safety and that of others. Therespect your fellow riders!
following are some of the most important:Cycling in the city of Vancouver is a fun and fantastic
1. Wear a helmet. Not only is it foolhardy to not wearmeans of transportation to see the sights, nature or
one - especially in shared traffic lanes - it is also illegal.even just to commute to work. Enjoying the many
Riders without head protection face a minimum fine ofamenities this beautiful city has to offer is easy with
$35. Ironically, the price equivalent of a helmet in athe hundreds of bike shops located in all regions of the
store. This law includes public streets, sidewalks andcity selling new or used bicycles or renting them for a
trails.few hours even a few days. Enjoy your cycle around,
2. Before cycling, plan your route. The city ofthrough or within Vancouver, British Columbia!
Vancouver (and many rental shops) offer maps onCycling in the city of Vancouver is a fun and fantastic
bike friendly roadways as well as one way cyclistmeans of transportation to see the sights, nature or
routes. This applies especially to Stanley Park whicheven just to commute to work. Enjoying the many
flows in a counter-clockwise direction beginning at Coalamenities this beautiful city has to offer is easy with
Harbour.the hundreds of bike shops located in all regions of the
3. Pay attention to street signs and specific sharedcity selling new or used bicycles or renting them for a
traffic lanes for cyclists on roadways. Narrowfew hours even a few days. Enjoy your cycle around,
roadways, parked vehicles and other hazards awaitthrough or within Vancouver, British Columbia!
cyclists who bike on roads which aren't meant for