The City of Vancouver is planning to close the gap in the Smithe Street bike lane, between Richards and Thurlow streets.
The upgrades will allow for a safer cycling connection between the Cambie Bridge and the West End. Currently, a separated bike lane runs west on Smithe Street until the intersection with Richards Street, where it terminates and riders are forced onto the pavement of busy Smithe Street.
There are several tricky intersections for cyclists to navigate as they head along this part of Smithe Street, particularly at Hornby, where there’s a busy right-hand turn lane.
The city says cycling trips on Smithe have doubled over the past four years and these upgrades will make the street safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
A survey on the upgrades is available at shapeyourcity.ca/smithe-street-upgrades until June 7, 2021, with construction planned for this fall.
Renderings: Smithe Street cycling upgrades
