Bikeway Types

By providing designated bicycle facilities, the City of North Vancouver aims to encourage cycling as a mode of transportation for local and regional commuter trips and provide improved recreational opportunities and alternative transportation options.

Studies have repeatedly found that the most significant deterrent to cycling is "fear of traffic". Improving cycling facilities not only helps minimize conflicts between cyclists and other vehicles, but also increases the number of bicycle trips made.

Additional benefits to improving the cycling infrastructure means improvements to the overall health of our community. Less motorised congestion on roads will also lead to improvements in our economic well-being.

There are six general types of bicycle facilities found within the City.

Neighbourhood Bikeway

A neighbourhood bikeway is located on a local street with lower traffic volumes and is a designated route for cyclists. They often have some form of traffic calming to reduce vehicle volumes and/or speeds, and are marked with bicycle sharrow symbols.
Photo caption: 4th Street Bike Route

Shared Use Lane

A shared use lane is denoted by the use of a sharrow pavement marking to indicate that this is a shared space. The sharrows show where cyclists can safely position themselves and inform drivers where cyclists can be expected. Bicycles and motorists have to share the lane, either side-by-side, or in single file.
Photo caption: Chesterfield Avenue

Conventional Bicycle Lane

A conventional bicycle lane is an on-street travel lane designated for bicycles. It is identified with a painted white line and a bicycle and a reserved lane symbol.
Photo caption: W. 1st Street.

Painted Buffer Bicycle Lane

A painted buffer bicycle lane has a painted buffer between the bicycle lane and the travel lane. The buffer provides greater separation between cyclists and vehicles.
Photo caption: East 13th Street

Protected Bicycle Lane

A protected bicycle lane is an exclusive bicycle facility that is physically separated from motor vehicle travel lanes and the sidewalk, but is located on the road. Typically provided on roads with higher speeds and volumes, it provides a safer facility for cyclists to access destinations within these busy corridors.
Photo caption: Larson Road

Off-Street Pathway or Trail

An off-street pathway or trail such as the Spirit Trail and Green Necklace is physically separated from motor vehicles. In some cases, pedestrians, cyclists and other users may share the same travel space, where in other cases, these users may be separated.
Photo caption: Forbes Avenue.

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