Vancouver
Decades of data‑driven planning (Transportation 2040; Climate Emergency Action Plan) power Vancouver’s high‑comfort bikeway network, ambitious mode‑shift targets, and seamless bike‑to‑transit integration—anchored by the 28‑km Seaside Greenway and secure parkades.
Stolen Bikes in Vancouver
Bike theft is an ongoing challenge in Vancouver — current risk: 1,000+ reports (2023) after a 66–70% drop since 2015. Learn how to protect your ride with our Security Tips and understand coverage options in the Insurance Guide. If your bike was taken, you can report a stolen bike in Vancouver to alert the community.
At a glance
Daily riders
unknown (Two‑thirds of trips by walk/bike/transit targeted by 2030)
Dedicated paths
Metro: ~4,870 lane‑km (2023); +466 lane‑km since 2019; 46% “Comfortable for Most”; 69% of residents within 400 m; MBN ~850 km (≈40% complete). Vancouver: 246 km high‑comfort (2025).
Bike sharing stations
250
Theft risk
1,000+ reports (2023) after a 66–70% drop since 2015
Stolen bikes are commonly targeted near transit hubs and popular areas. Use two quality locks and register your frame number.
Quick map
Open Vancouver on the map
Theft insights
1,000+ reports (2023) after a 66–70% drop since 2015
Why it’s special
Transportation 2040 and Climate Emergency Action Plan (two‑thirds of trips by 2030).
Metro bikeway network ~4,870 lane‑km; +466 lane‑km (2019–2023).
46% of routes “Comfortable for Most”; 69% of residents live within 400 m.
Seaside Greenway (28 km) including the Stanley Park Seawall.
Granville Connector protected lanes; downtown grid expansion.
TransLink Bike Parkades (Compass access), lockers, and staffed bike valets.
Project 529 Garage registry + VPD partnership cut theft dramatically.
Safety tips
Helmet mandatory for all ages (BC law); fine applies if not worn.
At night/low visibility: white front light (≥150 m), red rear light + red rear reflector.
Ride single file near the right edge when safe; obey all signals/signs.
No sidewalk riding unless signed; dismount in signed pedestrian zones.
Seawall/shared paths: 15 km/h speed limit; slow, give space, and be prepared to stop.
Avoid door zones: keep ~1 m from parked cars; watch for opening doors.
Ride like a local
Rules that matter
- Helmet required for all riders (approved helmet).
- Lights and red rear reflector required after dark/poor visibility (white front ≥150 m; red rear).
- Ride near the right edge when practicable; single file except when passing.
- No sidewalk riding unless signage/bylaw permits; use bike lanes/roadway instead.
- Use hand signals to turn/slow/stop and obey all signals and signs.
Typical fines (EUR)
Unwritten etiquette
- Seawall/shared paths: max 15 km/h; yield to pedestrians; dismount in crowded sections.
- Keep ~1 m from parked cars to avoid dooring; make eye contact at side streets.
- Motorists must give ~1 m (≤50 km/h) and 1.5 m (>50 km/h); expect 0.5 m beside separated lanes.
Security & parking
Parking like a pro
- Use TransLink Bike Parkades (Compass access; ~$1/day, cap ~$8/month) at major stations.
- Reserve/transact for individual bike lockers (monthly).
- Use sturdy city racks/corrals for short stops; request racks via Van311 when needed.
- Use staffed Bike Valet at events when available.
Theft & lock strategy
- Register with Project 529 Garage; apply a shield and record your serial.
- Use a hardened U‑lock; avoid cable‑only locking; lock through the frame + one wheel.
- Many thefts happen at residences; lock indoors, in monitored rooms, or parkades.
- If stolen, issue 529 alert and file with VPD; share photos/serial.
TransLink Bike Parkade – Main Street–Science World
Glass‑walled, CCTV‑monitored secure bike parking with Compass Card access; $1/day (max $8/month). Model facility for bike‑to‑transit trips.
Learn more on the city site
Rent a bike
Epic day trips
Iconic Vancouver Route • ≈17 km (easy)
Canada Place → Downtown waterfront → Stanley Park → West End; flat, protected lanes.
Seaside Vancouver Route • ≈25.3 km (medium)
Waterfront from False Creek to Kits/Spanish Banks; views and short hills.
Creative Vancouver Route • ≈16.6 km (easy)
Local street bikeways through Mount Pleasant and arts districts; breweries and murals.
What’s next
Downtown grid & corridor upgrades
Protected lanes on Smithe, Drake, Dunsmuir, Melville; closes gaps to the seawall.
Granville Connector (completed)
Protected lanes on the Granville Bridge—first safe, direct downtown link over False Creek.
BC Parkway rehab
Widening, lighting, and separation along the 26‑km multi‑use path beside SkyTrain Expo Line.
Vancouver–SFU Cycling Connection
Regional link to Burnaby Mountain campus; improved inter‑municipal access.
Regional Bike Monitoring Program
In‑ground counters to optimize investments and measure upgrade impacts.
Your perfect day
Stanley Park Seawall
Rent near the park (e.g., Spokes) and ride the flat 9‑km loop: Totem Poles, lighthouse, Siwash Rock.
Granville Island lunch
Cross Burrard Bridge protected lane; lock at racks; explore Public Market.
False Creek Seawall
Loop the inlet past Olympic Village and Science World; flat and photogenic.
Return options
Return via Cambie Bridge or hop an AquaBus/False Creek Ferry (bikes allowed). Stroll Gastown on foot.
Live here or visiting? List your bike to help the community
Join thousands protecting each other from theft. Add your bike now and get instant alerts if it goes missing.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a helmet?
Yes. BC law requires an approved helmet for all riders of all ages (typical ticket ~$29 CAD if not worn).
Where should I park if staying all day?
Use TransLink Bike Parkades ($1/day, max $8/month) or staffed Bike Valet at events; otherwise, a hardened U‑lock at busy racks.
What are common fines?
Examples: no lights/sidewalk riding ~$109 CAD (≈€74); no helmet ~$29 CAD (≈€20). Always obey signals/signs.
Can I take my bike on transit?
Yes. Bikes are allowed on SkyTrain/SeaBus/buses with conditions. Use Compass for Parkades; check TransLink policies for peak‑hour limits and racks.’