Helpful Information About Cycling in Metro Vancouver

    Need some guidance?

    Start your journey to health, happiness and freedom with the Metro Vancouver Cyclist's Handbook, produced by HUB Cycling with support from TransLink's TravelSmart program and MOSAIC. This handbook provides helpful information on how to get riding, and is available in six languages: English, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, Punjabi and Arabic. 

    Get more information by clicking the headings below, or by visiting pages on topics like Cycling Safety, Been in a Collision?, and Stop Bike Theft.

    Click a heading to reveal tips & links

    Buying a Bike 

    Maps & Route Planning

    Newcomers Guide to Cycling

    Are you new to biking in Vancouver? Our Newcomers Guide to Cycling in Vancouver covers the basics of buying and caring for your bike as well as safe cycling tips and resources. Created in collaboration with settlement organizations, the guide is accessible and friendly to English speakers of all levels. Thank you to the Vancouver Foundation who funded the project that made this guide possible.

    DOWNLOAD the guide here. 

    Regional Links & Connections

    Getting through the George Massey Tunnel

    The George Massey tunnel runs under the Fraser River to connect Richmond and Delta. Many people use this route to reach the Tsawwassen ferry terminal for Victoria. However, bicycles are not permitted in the tunnel. Cyclists have two alternatives:

    • Bicycle Shuttle Schedule - Use the free bicycle shuttle. Hours can be irregular, so check the schedule and days of operation
    • Public Transit Schedule - Put your bike through the tunnel via bus with bike rack - check with TranLink for fares based on your point of origin.

    Going over the Golden Ears Bridge

    The Golden Ears bridge connects Langley to Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. Select link below for a cycling map of the new Golden Ears Bridge facility. Please note that the Golden Ears Bridge is part of a long term concession agreement which includes the ongoing operations, maintenance and rehabilitation of the bridge (for the next 30 years). The bridge is being maintained by Capilano Highway Services on behalf of the Golden Crossing General Partnership. Matters related to the operations or maintenance of the facility should be forwarded to Capilano Highway Services 604.983.2411.

    Getting to the ferries

    There are two ferry terminals out of Vancouver: Horseshoe Bay (to the north) and Tsawwassen (to the south). Bikes are allowed on ferries, and it's a great way to see southwestern B.C. including Vancouver Island. Plus, you can take your bike on the bus to get to them. From downtown Vancouver, bus #250 or #257 will take you to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, and Canada Line Skytrain to Bridgeport station, with a transfer to #620, will take you to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

    If you want to ride all the way to the ferry, your best bet is to pick up a copy of the Greater Vancouver Cycling Map and Guide (but note the George Massey Tunnel above if you're going to Tsawwassen).

    Getting to the airport

    From downtown Vancouver, take the Ontario Bike Route and then the new Canada Line Pedestrian Bike Bridge to and from Vancouver International Airport.

    Bike Facility Design

    Bike Research & Data

    Insurance

    As cyclists, we do our best to keep ourselves safe on the roads, and keep our valued machines from being damaged or stolen. But have you ever thought about what would happen if your bike were stolen, or if you were to get in an accident or even cause one? Insurance to cover these three events (theft/loss, accident/injury, and liability) can support you. Visit our insurance page for more info and details on insurance providers who specialize in cyclists.

    Bike Friendly Business

    Biking is business-friendly. Case studies from around the world show that more cycling brings more business. Here are some research links:

    Local Government Bike Info, Problem Reporting

    Links to pages of cycling information hosted by municipal, regional and provincial governments.Click here to report a problem on a local bike route.

    Local Elected Officials

    It's important that your elected officials understand what you care about; they're in office to represent your needs, and you don't need to be an expert to contact them. Writing emails or letters to officials makes an impact.

    Mayor & Councils

    Provincial Government Transportation Elected Officials

    Cycling & Active Transportation Groups

    Recreational Cycling Groups

    Newspapers & Periodicals

    Show your support for cycling by writing a letter to the editor or an opinion editorial. Sharing your personal stories and opinions in local media is a powerful way to shape the conversation about cycling in our cities.

    Province Wide Newspapers

    Magazines/Periodicals

    Lower Mainland Community Papers

    Non-Profit Bike Shops

    Have a used bike to donate? Want a space to do your own repairs? Check out the following community cycling resources:

    Kickstand Bikes is a cycling resource centre promoting bike advocacy though education, mechanics and creativity - 1739 Venables Street at Commercial Drive.

     

    Our Community Bikes is one of the original community bike shop projects in North America, where you can learn about bicycle mechanics, source new and used parts, and buy refurbished bikes - 2429 Main Street at Broadway.