Vancouver : reclaiming space for people
This story is part of our youReport series.
Vancouver is not listed in the Copenhagenize Index of bike-friendly cities – but we are almost certain that Vancouver is one of the cities that is seriously snapping at Montreal’s heels when Copenhagenize say “A number of North American cities are hovering just outside the Top 20 and they’re not going to wait for your lead.” Well, here’s Bruce McVean from Liveable London again. Last month he reported from Montreal in the East, now he’s taking a look at Vancouver on the West coast.
There’s an emerging network of bike ways (photos 1 to 4), and a willingness to reclaim highway space for direct use by people, customers and businesses (photos 5 and 6).
Photo 1 – Reflecting a different context with a #sharedspace approach to providing bike lanes in Vancouver’s historic Gas Town
Photo 2 – Kerbs & planting separate bikes & vehicles on Hornby Street, Vancouver; part of growing network of quality bike ways
Photo 3 – Cycle provision varies along length of Comox St depending on conditions, but infrastructure there when you need it
Photo 4 – Floating loading bay / drop off at point where Hornby Street protected bikeway passes Vancouver Art Gallery
Photo 5 – One of a few Parklets in Vancouver with more to come. Semi-permanent (2-3 yrs), paid for by business but open to all
Photo 6 – Park-a-park – mobile Parklet that has been dropped at various locations across Vancouver over the summer, great idea