TransLink is responsible for more than just transit?!

August 11, 2017

TransLink is responsible for more than just transit?!

August 11, 2017

Cycling isn’t just one of the healthiest ways to travel, but it’s also a pollution-free mode of transport. Did you know that cycling 10km each way to work would save 1500 kg of greenhouse gas emissions a year?!

You may or may not know that TransLink is responsible for much more than just transit. Our cycling program is vast and varied, covering everything from regional cycling initiatives to end-of-trip facilities and we’re committed to addressing many of the transportation challenges that Metro Vancouver faces today.

Our multimodal mandate

We’re responsible for providing cycling options in the region and connecting cycling to the wider transportation system of Metro Vancouver while supporting over 107,000 bike trips daily! Our long-term transportation strategy, TransLink 2040 sets goals for the kind of transportation future we want. Within the next 30 years, one of the goals is that most trips in Metro Vancouver will be made by transit, walking and cycling.

If we can reduce the distances driven in the region by 33 per cent by designing our communities and transportation systems to encourage half of our trips to be by walking, cycling or transit, everyone will benefit! This will reduce congestion, make travel more reliable, protect our climate by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and by make roads safer.

Bicycle transportation system

Bikeway network

Did you know that there are multi-use paths that make biking to and from destinations easier, safer and more accessible?

The BC Parkway– A 26-kilometre, multi-use path that roughly parallels the Expo SkyTrain Line, connecting Surrey City Centre, New Westminster, South Burnaby and Vancouver.
The Central Valley Greenway– A 24-kilometre route for cycling, jogging, walking, wheelchairs, skateboarding and blading that connect Vancouver with Burnaby and New Westminster
Canada Line Pedestrian-Bicycling Bridge – The important link connecting the cycling routes of Richmond and Vancouver

Bike racks

Every single vehicle in our bus fleet has racks for your bike. That’s right. You don’t have to leave your bike at home ever again! Check out this Buzzer blog post with a detailed video on how to take your bike on the bus and then test out your skills at our bike rack demo in North Vancouver or on your next transit trip!

Transit tip! Exit from the front door and let the driver know that you need to remove your bike.

Bike Parkades

Currently, our two bike parkades are located at Main Street-Science World Station and King George Station with more parkades en route soon. Bike Parkades are well-lit, indoor bicycle parking facilities where users can lock up their bike for the day. They provide secure and convenient access seven days a week to customers who enroll through their Compass Card.

Bike Parkades cost only one dollar a day, with fees capped at eight dollars a month. Check out our how-to video below! Register online for access by visiting www.translink.ca/bikeparkade.

FYI: In the next two years four more Bike Parkades will be opening at King Edward, Joyce, Commercial-Broadway and Metrotown stations!

Partners

Our TravelSmart team works with a variety of corporate and government partners to ensure that Metro Vancouverites are aware of smarter travel options.

TravelSmart partners with the following organizations to deliver our programs throughout the region:

Some of our awesome bike partners

HUB focuses on showing people that cycling is an attractive and healthy choice for everyone. Their annual spring and fall Bike to Work weeks celebrate bike commuting across Metro Vancouver. We also partner with HUB on their different programs such as their Bike Host orientation program and their Bike to Shop Days.

BEST provides bike valet services at events in Metro Vancouver such as Khatsalano Fest, Celebration of Light, Vancouver Whitecaps home games and the Gastown Grand Prix. The Bike Valet operates at many events that TransLink supports and this year they expect to park 30,000 bicycles at events across the Metro Vancouver region!

Mark your calendar and be part of the change and help make Metro Vancouver a happier, healthier place to live, work and play! This year’s fall Bike to Work week will take place from October 23 to 27, 2017.