Whereas bike lanes in the likes of Copenhagen and Amsterdam tend to stay on the same side of the road as traffic, Vancouver has effectively created separate parallel streets, with cyclists heading in opposite directions on the same path – much in the same way as large segments of London’s new blue Superhighways.

Is it better to have all the cyclists sharing one big lane, rather than two one-way lanes? I don’t really know. It certainly reduces the chances of pedestrians accidentally wondering out into the bike lane (the green paint doesn’t hurt either).

What’s more important though, is the fact that most lanes have a physical barrier between the bicycle lane and motor vehicle lanes – preventing any unwanted parking in the lanes and reducing the chances of collisions.

The vast expanses of bike lanes across the city are also key, as, while they don’t c over every street, most routes around the city are mostly navigable by safely using protected lanes.

Bike Lanes Verdict: Vancouver Wins (just)

Helmet Use

Safely moves us onto the big, horrible topic… helmets.

Now, wearing a helmet when cycling in Vancouver is mandatory and failure to comply can result in a fine. So, while I don’t condone breaking the law, I can’t confirm that we wore our own helmets religiously.

I know, how reckless of me. But… I cycle at about the pace of a fast run, and mostly stick to designated bike lanes. Where’s the danger exactly? If a car ploughs into the bike lane? If I fall off my bike? Well I don’t wear a helmet when I go for a walk, jog or a knees-up (although maybe I should for the latter), so what’s the difference?

This is absolutely not to say I am against ever wearing a helmet. For example, I whole-heartedly agree with helmet use when: mountain biking, racing, mixing it with traffic and for children still developing their motor skills. Also, this is not to say you shouldn’t wear a helmet. I am absolutely pro-choice.