I am a mamil, a middle-aged man in Lycra, and there are thousands of us in Vancouver. We ride alone or in groups, munching on power bars and pointing out things on the road to our friends behind us. We wear flashy Lycra kits that are nothing like what we wear to work.
In Vancouver, there are many different types of cyclists. Some of us are daring roadies who ride alongside cars and trucks, but many prefer protected or quiet routes where they can enjoy the scenery and ride at their own pace.
Fortunately, Vancouver has a variety of cycling routes that cater to different preferences. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are six rides you can try. They are best enjoyed in dry weather, but can still be done in the rain. And the best part? You don’t need to wear Lycra!
Vancouver Cycling Tips
- Always wear a helmet, it’s the law in British Columbia.
- Signal your turns and obey traffic signs and laws.
- Don’t ride on sidewalks.
- Pass on the left and use your bell to signal your presence.
- If you don’t have a bell, announce yourself by saying “On your left!”
If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry! You can rent one from shops downtown or near Stanley Park, or use Vancouver’s bike-share scheme, Mobi by Shaw Go. They have over 240 stations and offer both standard bikes and e-bikes. Simply download the Mobi mobile app to find a bike near you.
Coal Harbour Seawall (5.77km round trip)
This scenic ride offers stunning mountain and water views. Starting near Canada Place, you’ll ride along a separated bike lane that runs parallel to a pedestrian walkway. The route takes you past high-rise buildings, marinas, and waterfront eateries. You can either turn south at the foot of Denman Street to complete the round trip, or continue west to Stanley Park. Keep an eye out for pedestrians wandering onto the bike lane!
Stanley Park (10km)
Vancouver’s Stanley Park is larger than Central Park in New York City. Here, you have two cycling options: the Stanley Park Seawall and Stanley Park Drive. The seawall is a 10km flat route that offers picturesque views of the park and the North Shore mountains. It can get crowded, so be cautious of other users. If you prefer the road, Stanley Park Drive takes you to various attractions within the park, including First Nations totem poles, Prospect Point, and the Lions Gate Bridge. The road can be shared with other cyclists, cars, and horse-drawn carriages.
Burrard Street Bridge (less than 1km)
The Burrard Street Bridge is a key connector between the downtown peninsula and Kitsilano. It has wide, protected bike lanes on either side and offers fantastic views of False Creek and Granville Island. In fact, over a million cycle trips are taken across this bridge every year. Just be aware that the bike lanes are often busy, so it may not be the best place for leisurely stops and sightseeing.
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