A Vancouver city councillor who has opposed past bike initiatives says downtown Vancouver now needs more bike parking and shower facilities, and has a motion before council today asking staff to study that.

With fewer car trips downtown, NPA councillor George Affleck said the city should convert car space to bike facilities.

"There are many many empty parking spots that are owned by the city of Vancouver that I think we could utilize for these bikes, and for facilities like showers and lockers."

In a motion before council Tuesday, Affleck is asking city staff to study where 1000 new bike parking spots could be installed.

He is also asking for information on shower facilities, repair centres and other cycling-related infrastructure — including "partnerships that could be pursued by the City of Vancouver."

Affleck sees it as a way for the city to make money, he said.

Source: City of Vancouver's open data catalogue