Vancouver Cycling:
Sharing the Road
Vancouver cycling means sharing the road with cars. Sometimes car drivers are friendly and sometimes they are a bit careless.
Riding the "Dark Green" routes puts you where drivers are expecting to see cyclists more frequently. But you are permitted to bike on the roadway anywhere except where explicitly forbidden like the freeway (Hwy #1) for example (signs are posted). And who wants to ride there?
Rights & Responsibilities Legally speaking, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as cars, with some additions. Disclaimer: Please do not consider this to be legal advice from Loving-Vancouver.com. Always check with your own attorney before taking any action based on the information here. Some points to note from BC's Motor Vehicle Act Opens New Window - Cyclists are required to wear a helmet.
- After dark, a cyclist needs to have a white light pointing forward visible to 150m and a red reflector and a red light to the rear.
- A cyclist is not allowed to ride on the sidewalk or crosswalk unless directed by a sign or authorized by a municipal by law.
- A cyclist is not allowed to ride on the sidewalk or crosswalk unless directed by a sign or authorized by a municipal by law.
- A cyclist must ride as near as practicable to the right side of the highway. This does not mean on the shoulder or in gravel, just as near to the right side as is safe.
How Not to Get Hit By Cars  Just a tip: it is often safer to ride in a straight line past parked cars, not weaving in and out. Drivers have an easier time seeing you if you move in predictable ways. And, wear brightly coloured clothing, especially if you're riding at night. Safety vests (like those construction workers wear) are inexpensive and available in most bike and hardware shops. For more information about cycling in traffic, see How to Not Get Hit by Cars Opens New Window. I keep learning and adjusting my cycling habits whenever I read this site again.
Best Advice? Be Aware This is not to scare you off; Vancouver is a great city to cycle in, and is working hard to improve. When everyone is aware of their responsibilities, we are all safer. But if you don't feel quite safe enough to tackle sharing the road with cars, take your bike on transit and head for a lovely ride off the road. Race the sailboats along the sea wall next to Vanier Park or explore the old-growth forests in Stanley Park. Vancouver cycling takes many forms, all very enjoyable. Return from Vancouver Cycling to Getting Around
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