Some Stanley Park bike lanes may not be removed

It looks like several stretches of the Stanley Park bike lane may survive after all, according to a Vancouver Green Party member.

In a release, commissioner Tom Digby says the ABC Vancouver-controlled park board balked at completely eliminating the bike lane after finding out it would cost about $400,000.

“I decided to help them out because retaining sections of the existing bike lane configuration saves taxpayer money and increases road safety for all users. Obvious examples include the new Tea House configuration, the up-hill section leading to Prospect Point, the corner at Brockton Point, and at Ceperley Meadows,” Digby said.

The bike lane has been a contentious issue in Vancouver over the past couple of years. The dedicated lane for cyclists was brought in amid the pandemic to help people physically distance themselves to slow the spread of COVID-19.

While many have spoken out against the bike lane, removal of it has come under fire by cyclists.

Related Articles: 

• Beginning of Stanley Park bike lane removal complete

• Vancouver Park Board votes to remove Stanley Park bike lane

• Nice-looking neighbourhoods could improve exercise levels: Global study

The party says nearly 600 people protested the removal of the lane and “signed petitions in favour of keeping the current configuration.”

Lucy Maloney with Love the Lane says members of the group have been fighting to keep the bike lane, saying this is a “sensible decision.”

“Obviously, we’re disappointed that they haven’t changed their mind entirely about taking the the existing configuration out, but we’re super pleased that they’re responding to the advice of staff,” she explained.

Maloney says by keeping sections of the lane will help in the long-run.

“The promise was to take the existing configuration out over winter and have the new improved, separated bike lane in place on Stanley Park Drive in time [for] this coming summer. And I think that this decision is going to help them to achieve that because it’s going to reduce the amount of work that needs to be done, and reduce the cost of both the removal and the permanent design. So I think it all round it’s a real winner of a decision.”

However, Maloney says the group will continue pushing the board for more permanent improvements.

“We’re not pausing. We’re trying to put as much pressure as possible on ABC to make sure that they keep their promise to put permanent lane improvements in place in time for the summer and we’re also offering our assistance and advice. We’re trying to help them to know what cyclists need and also we’re speaking up for what pedestrians need,” she explained.

The park board is also looking into the fundamentals of creating a permanent bike lane.