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Bike lanes in the city of Victoria


As the city of Victoria continues developing, much debate surrounds the idea of bike lanes in the city. According to the 2016 census, there are 85,792 people currently living in the city of Victoria, up from 80,017 in 2011. That is a population growth of 7.2% and brings the city’s population density to 4,405.8 people for every square kilometer. In comparison, Vancouver, Canada’s most populated city, has a population density of 5,493 people per square kilometre.

As the city’s infrastructure slowly improves to catch up, there is a need to optimize travel in and around the city. The use of personal vehicles has been discouraged not only because it is harmful to the environment, but also because cars takes up a lot of space and causes congestion, as can be seen on the McKenzie interchange daily. Therefore, in tandem with improving transit options, the introduction of bike lanes gives residents another way to not just commute, but to commute safely and efficiently, while also helping to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

Victoria’s Official Community Plan has been in place since 2012 and plans to have 60% of all trips be by bicycle, transit or walking by 2041. In light of the population growth in the city, there has been greater incentive to include more bike lanes, such as the separated bike lanes as part of the All Ages and Abilities bike network, which was awarded the Community Energy Association Climate and Energy Action Award in 2018. Despite the accolades, critics of the bike lanes call it counterintuitive while drivers lament the lack of street parking since the construction of the lanes.

Even more recently, the city has come under fire for removing a 30 year old tree in downtown Victoria to make way for a crosswalk and bike lanes. Environmental advocates worry what it signals about the importance, or lack thereof, of Victoria’s urban forest, and argue that the tree itself absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and helps decrease the city’s carbon footprint. Others, however, hope that the removal of the tree would increase the safety of cyclists and believe that the city is taking a step in the right direction.

Perhaps, it is time for the residents of Victoria to get on-board with the bike lanes because they look like they are here to stay. Not only do they lower the burden on public transit, they also improve the safety of cyclists and help to lessen the impact on the environment.

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