Debunking the Myth: Bike Lanes Are Underused

Bike lanes often start out with lower ridership, leading some to question their necessity. But time and data tell a different story.

As cities develop safer, more connected cycling networks, more people gain the confidence to choose to ride—proving that infrastructure drives behavior.

Take Vancouver, for example. The city has steadily invested in protected active transportation networks, and the results speak for themselves. Cycling trips have increased year after year, demonstrating a clear pattern: if you build it, they will ride.

Sustainable, active transportation requires long-term commitment, not short-term reactions. Vancouver’s Beach Avenue Bikeway and Burrard Street Bridge are prime examples. Both projects faced significant public pushback when first introduced, yet today they are among the busiest bike routes in North America—each welcoming over one million riders annually.

To help challenge the misconception that bike lanes aren’t used, HUB Cycling recently teamed up with local bike shop West Point Cycles to create a video debunking this fallacy. Check it out below! The evidence is clear: well-designed cycling infrastructure leads to more people on bikes, creating healthier, more sustainable cities for everyone.