Proposed bike highways could make biking easier, more accessible across Metro Vancouver

A network of bike “highways” across Metro Vancouver could save people money and time, while reducing carbon emissions in the region, according to a new report.

The proposed bike highways could help connect communities that have traditionally been underserved by public and active transportation, while promoting carbon-reduction goals touted by local, regional and provincial authorities.

“Pedaling Towards Equity,” produced by HUB Cycling, states that one-third of Metro Vancouver households spend 70 per cent of their income on housing and transportation, due in part to high costs of car ownership and limited transit opportunities in many communities.

“The cost for society to put in infrastructure for roads is quite a bit more than to put in the infrastructure for cycling,” said Evan Hammer, a planning and policy manager at HUB Cycling, a non-profit organization focused on promoting biking around Metro Vancouver.