Stanley Park bike lane 'should have been stopped a long time ago': park board commissioner

This week is the final chance for Vancouver residents to have their say on how traffic should move through Stanley Park before the fall election.

This week is the final chance for Vancouver residents to have their say on how traffic should move through Stanley Park before the fall election.

The decision, set to be made during a meeting Monday night, will be in place until at least after a new park board is voted in in October. 

One item on the agenda is the Stanley Park Mobility Study, which includes the separated bike lane through the park -- a concept that has divided many Vancouver residents.

It has also divided park board commissioners. Tricia Barker has long been against it due to the difficulties it has created for the elderly and those with mobility issues seeking to access the park.

“We still have the access to get into the park but pushing a wheelchair for a mile to get somewhere isn’t easy access,” Barker said. “Yes it’s access, but it’s not easy access.”

There’s also the price tag. Last fall, CTV News was provided with the cost of the bike lane, which came to $815,000 for public surveys, consultation and implementation. In addition, Barker said there is about $2 million in lost parking revenue

“Right now we can’t even afford to mow all the lawns, we can’t afford to pick up the garbage and we’re spending money, time and energy on something that I don't think the majority of people want in Stanley Park,” Barker said. “I think that it should have been stopped a long time ago.”