Protesters share anger over removal of Stanley Park bike lane
Global News
Protesters gathered along Stanley Park Drive Sunday to protest the Vancovuer Park Board removing the temporary bike lane, which was put up at the start of the pandemic.
The Vancouver Park Board voted to remove the temporary bike lane along Stanley Park Drive back in February but it’s not going without a fight.
On Sunday, Protesters came out to share their dismay over the board’s decision and they say removing the protected bike lane is putting the lives of cyclists at risk.
“People are stunned that this bicycle lane is coming out,” according to Hub Cycling’s park board liaison Lisa Slakov.
“People need it for safety, for enjoyment. It’s the direction that cities and parks are going all over the world and somehow Vancouver is now moving in the opposite direction and ripping out bike lanes.”
The temporary bike lane was set up in 2020 during the pandemic and cars were banned from driving on park roads.
The city began dismantling part of the lane back in December last year with a plan to create a permanent bike lane by 2024.
A post on the City of Vancouver website says the seawall will remain open for cyclists, providing cyclists the option to ride on either the seawall or Stanley Park Drive.
But Slakov says that’s not good enough.