1 of 3 2 of 3

Vision Vancouver has won another battle in its war against the car. At least that’s how critics will describe the news. Supporters, meanwhile, are calling it a win for pedestrian safety and sustainable transportation.

Today (January 17) city council voted to reallocate one lane of the Cambie Bridge, prohibiting cars in order so that it becomes a separated lane for bicycles.

A staff presentation shows the lane in question as currently used for southbound traffic.

The change will leave two lanes of southbound traffic in place three lanes of northbound traffic as they exist today.

The vote fell along party lines. Mayor Gregor Robertson plus four Vision Vancouver councillors and Green councillor Adriane Carr voted in favour of the motion. The NPA’s three councillors voted against. (Two Vision councillors were absent from council.)

City of Vancouver

Speaking just before the vote, Vision Vancouver councillor Heather Deal noted that city staff supported the proposal and argued it will enhance safety along the False Creek-downtown connector.

It’s estimated the lane's conversion to a bicycle-only space will cost $600,000.

Vision Vancouver councillors speaking in favour of the plan today focused on arguments that the change will make it safer for cycles and pedestrians to cross the bridge. They also suggested it will help ease motor-vehicle congestion by encouraging commuters to leave their cars for bikes.