FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CYCLING IN VANCOUVER MAKING IMPORTANT MOVES FORWARD
HUB strongly supports the recommendation to keep the downtown separated bike lanes and to introduce public bike share
HUB has been encouraging improvements to allow more people to use bicycles as transportation for over 14 years; now, in 2012, they strongly support commitments to two key pieces of bike infrastructure: downtown separated bike lanes and public bike sharing.As these two important decisions go to Council this Bike Month, HUB and its over 1,000 members want to communicate how healthy these changes are. Their impacts on freeing up congestion, moving more people, and improving the health of individuals and our communities will be significant.
Earlier this week, Andreas Rohl, visiting Director of Copenhagen's Bicycle Program Office told a packed Vancouver audience about how his city improved its bike infrastructure and encouragement steadily over many years, so that now cycling is the most frequently taken form of transportation because it is so convenient. It was acknowledged that without that large share of citizens using bicycles, their city would have much more traffic and congestion, and would have to bear the higher costs of motor vehicle and transit additions.
In Vancouver, the separated downtown lane trials have increased the number of bicycles being used significantly. On Dunsmuir, the dedication of a lane to bicycles resulted in a 36% increase from before the separated lane construction. Additionally, pedestrian safety has improved due to fewer cyclists riding on the sidewalks after gaining access to a comfortable space separated from cars.
Along the separated lanes, there is support from businesses who embrace the idea of bringing a new clientele to their doorsteps. Forward-thinking downtown businesses like ING Direct recognize that many of their clients and target clients ride. “We definitely want the separated downtown bike lanes to become permanent,” says Meena Sandhu, Director of Marketing for ING. “It’s important to creating a healthy city that accommodates safe, accessible travel routes for everyone.”
There’s also excitement about the positive impacts of a public bike share system. HUB believes a bike share system in Vancouver is the next logical step to improving mobility in the city’s core. It is a very cost-effective extension to transit for the last legs of trips, and an efficient option for those trying to get around downtown. Public bike sharing gives the user a no-hassle, no-maintenance, low cost option for planned or spontaneous trip across downtown. Erin O’Melinn, Executive Director of HUB says, “As seen in numerous cities around the world, bike sharing systems bring out new riders because of how easy and convenient it is to grab a bike and get around. HUB is very supportive of the introduction of a public bike share system in Vancouver.”
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About HUB
We areHUB: YourCyclingConnection.We make cycling better through advocacy, education and celebration.More cycling means healthier, happier, more connected communities. We’re leading the way in making cycling an attractive choice for everyone.
For more information, please contact
Erin O’Melinn, Executive Director
778.239.7252