Metro Vancouver Bike & Pedestrian Discussion

[racc]

Originally Posted by cabotp

It would be nice when you push the button to activate the light that you don't have to wait forever. During the day I can understand that if someone has just pushed the button and gone through and I come along that there is going to be a bit of a wait. But at 12:30am when I'm cycling up glen/windsor and I get to Broadway or Kingsway or King Edward and I push the button the light should change quickly and not sit there like a dodo bird.

If you are cycling, you do not have to wait for the pedestrian light at pedestrian/bicycle activated signals (ones with a flashing green on the main street and no red or green lines on the side street). All you have to do is stop and wait until you can cross the street safely. Drivers can do the same, in fact, they have to as they can't activate the signal without getting out of the car.

Still, in the middle of the night, the signal should change faster. Try e-mailing [email protected] or phone 311

[paradigm4]

Originally Posted by racc

It is pretty much critical to the success of a shared bike system to have a good bicycle network, including separated lanes on commercial streets, before introducing shared bicycles. If there isn't, the usage won't be great and there will be lots of people riding on sidewalks to get to shops, transit stations and businesses.

Paris spent ten years improving bicycle routes before introducing their shared bicycle program and it was a huge success. Meanwhile, Brussels introduced a system without improving bike routes first and it was pretty much a failure.

Exactly what I was going to say. Ridership downtown would be low even with a bike share because there's no network! Most of the riders would be added to the seawall, which itself is already bursting at the seams. The COV needs to build the Hornby connection, as well as the Nelson St greenway, before a bike share comes in, and AFAIK, that's exactly what they are doing. The bike share is supposed to come in 2011.

[lezard]

Originally Posted by racc

It is pretty much critical to the success of a shared bike system to have a good bicycle network, including separated lanes on commercial streets, before introducing shared bicycles. If there isn't, the usage won't be great and there will be lots of people riding on sidewalks to get to shops, transit stations and businesses.

Paris spent ten years improving bicycle routes before introducing their shared bicycle program and it was a huge success. Meanwhile, Brussels introduced a system without improving bike routes first and it was pretty much a failure.

I agree, many people who might otherwise be interested by biking, whether to commute or for leisure, are put off by the dangers and stress of having to share with vehicles. Provide a more inviting bike network and you'll probably attract many more users.

Shared biking is probably much more interesting to the casual or occasional cyclist. Those who commute everyday tend to have their own and are probably less daunted by motorized traffic.

[jsbertram]

Originally Posted by cabotp

It would be nice when you push the button to activate the light that you don't have to wait forever. During the day I can understand that if someone has just pushed the button and gone through and I come along that there is going to be a bit of a wait. But at 12:30am when I'm cycling up glen/windsor and I get to Broadway or Kingsway or King Edward and I push the button the light should change quickly and not sit there like a dodo bird.

A lot of times I'll get to Broadway and push the button. Now the walk signal as is active for the direction perpendicular to mine. It stays as is with no traffic in sight. I push the button. Eventually I say screw it and just cycle through the red. I get the same problem at Kingsway as well. Even at King Edward it is damn slow and I eventually just give up and stop waiting.

I can understand during the day. But not late at night. Hell I've seen major intersections that change as soon as car pulls up over a sensor.

Reminds me of the "Push to Walk" Buttons in New York. A few years ago one of the weekend papers revealed a none of the "Push to Walk" buttons work any more because when the City changed to computerized traffic lights for all their intersections, they didn't want pedestrians interrupting traffic flows. When it came to rewiring each intersection to connect the new computerized controllers to the traffic lights and pedestrian walk signs, it was cheaper to leave the "Push to Walk" buttons in place and cut their wires inside the pole, rather than remove the "Push to Walk" button assembly & fix a hole in the post or pole. Yet New Yorkers still robotically hit the "Push to Walk" button.

I just smile when I see someone impatiently tapping on a "Push to Walk" button.


I was doing a reno of a few floors of office space when we discovered the heating/cooling thermostats weren't actually wired to anything. Turns out the building owner put them on the walls whenever a tenant was 'fussy' about the temperature in their space so the tenant could 'adjust' the temperature to what they wanted. Meanwhile sensors in the ceiling were sending temperature info to the REAL thermostats in the floor's maintenance room. The building staff would make the adjustments there when a tenant complained their thermostat wasn't working right.

[cabotp]

Originally Posted by racc

If you are cycling, you do not have to wait for the pedestrian light at pedestrian/bicycle activated signals (ones with a flashing green on the main street and no red or green lines on the side street). All you have to do is stop and wait until you can cross the street safely. Drivers can do the same, in fact, they have to as they can't activate the signal without getting out of the car.

Still, in the middle of the night, the signal should change faster. Try e-mailing [email protected] or phone 311

I understand that I don't have to wait at the lights with the flashing green signal. And I can just look both ways and carry on if it is clear.

But at intersections like Glen and Broadway and Windsor and Kingsway. Which are solid green along Broadway or Kingsway. It means I have a red light against me. Legally I am supposed to wait. At times I've given up and just cycled through the red. Of course I could easily get a ticket for that if the police caught me doing that.

One time I sat at Broadway for what felt like 2 minutes before the light finally changed. I even started to wonder if the button was working.

[cabotp]

Originally Posted by jsbertram

Reminds me of the "Push to Walk" Buttons in New York. A few years ago one of the weekend papers revealed a none of the "Push to Walk" buttons work any more because when the City changed to computerized traffic lights for all their intersections, they didn't want pedestrians interrupting traffic flows. When it came to rewiring each intersection to connect the new computerized controllers to the traffic lights and pedestrian walk signs, it was cheaper to leave the "Push to Walk" buttons in place and cut their wires inside the pole, rather than remove the "Push to Walk" button assembly & fix a hole in the post or pole. Yet New Yorkers still robotically hit the "Push to Walk" button.

I just smile when I see someone impatiently tapping on a "Push to Walk" button.


I was doing a reno of a few floors of office space when we discovered the heating/cooling thermostats weren't actually wired to anything. Turns out the building owner put them on the walls whenever a tenant was 'fussy' about the temperature in their space so the tenant could 'adjust' the temperature to what they wanted. Meanwhile sensors in the ceiling were sending temperature info to the REAL thermostats in the floor's maintenance room. The building staff would make the adjustments there when a tenant complained their thermostat wasn't working right.

In the New York case. I'm guessing with the massive population density. That there would always be traffic in all directions thus it wouldn't feel like you are waiting while there is no traffic.

[racc]

Originally Posted by cabotp

I understand that I don't have to wait at the lights with the flashing green signal. And I can just look both ways and carry on if it is clear.

But at intersections like Glen and Broadway and Windsor and Kingsway. Which are solid green along Broadway or Kingsway. It means I have a red light against me. Legally I am supposed to wait. At times I've given up and just cycled through the red. Of course I could easily get a ticket for that if the police caught me doing that.

One time I sat at Broadway for what felt like 2 minutes before the light finally changed. I even started to wonder if the button was working.

Oh, sorry, I misunderstood. Anyway, never hurts to send a message to [email protected] or phone 311 asking that the lights respond quicker to bikes and peds at night.

[usog]

Just a question to the cyclists out there: What are the actual chances of having your bike stolen? Living in other countries, ones in East Asia, I could bike to a store or restaurant and leave my bike outside, not even locked usually, go inside, and by the time I finish up my business it would still be there. A reason I haven't really been using my bike for trips in Vancouver is all the horror stories I hear about the whole bike-stealing situation in Vancouver. That and there seems to be an extreme lack of bike-storage places around hubs/transit areas, so I am stuck hauling a bike with me everywhere I go since I don't feel comfortable leaving my bike anywhere.

[SpongeG]

pretty good

my friend bought a bike - he just started school at emily carr - he used it one day his first day of school and it was stolen from emily carr his first day - he was so mad - he had planned on using it to commute to school

[Alex Mackinnon]

Pretty good actually.

If a thief wants your bike they generally get it. Your best luck is to get a beater and a U-lock; the highest effort to least reward combination. I've had 3 bikes stolen from me with various forms of cable lock, no problems with my u lock so far.

We've got one of the highest rates of property theft in North America, bikes aren't an exception.

[whatnext]

If the City thought it had a battle from Dunsmuir Street merchants, just wait if they try to implement a dedicated bike lane along Main Street or Commercial.

It will be richly ironic to see Mayor Moonbeam, champion of Cambie Street merchants (when cameras are rolling) trying to defend trashing the livelihoods of small businesses.

[aberdeen5698]

Originally Posted by usog

Just a question to the cyclists out there: What are the actual chances of having your bike stolen?

I can't quote the actual chances but so far I've been lucky. I've parked my bike outside the BCIT downtown campus once a week for a few years now with a simple combination cable lock and not had any trouble. My bike's about 4 years old and nothing special, so perhaps it's not a desirable target.

I really like the fact that they've included bike racks with the new Dunsmuir bike lanes. There used to be only one small rack in front of BCIT and parking was getting to be pretty problematic. No worries now!

[lezard]

Originally Posted by usog

Just a question to the cyclists out there: What are the actual chances of having your bike stolen? Living in other countries, ones in East Asia, I could bike to a store or restaurant and leave my bike outside, not even locked usually, go inside, and by the time I finish up my business it would still be there. A reason I haven't really been using my bike for trips in Vancouver is all the horror stories I hear about the whole bike-stealing situation in Vancouver. That and there seems to be an extreme lack of bike-storage places around hubs/transit areas, so I am stuck hauling a bike with me everywhere I go since I don't feel comfortable leaving my bike anywhere.

My last bike was stolen from inside the underground parking I tied it up in. I managed to keep my present one intact until last year when the rear end was torn off when I had it clamped to a bike rack on Broadway.

Now, I use both U-Bar and a cable from wheel to wheel if I have to leave it for more than a few minutes.

There could be more bike racks on the sidewalks, tired of squeezing my ride on packed parking meters and lamp posts.

[racc]

Originally Posted by usog

Just a question to the cyclists out there: What are the actual chances of having your bike stolen? Living in other countries, ones in East Asia, I could bike to a store or restaurant and leave my bike outside, not even locked usually, go inside, and by the time I finish up my business it would still be there. A reason I haven't really been using my bike for trips in Vancouver is all the horror stories I hear about the whole bike-stealing situation in Vancouver. That and there seems to be an extreme lack of bike-storage places around hubs/transit areas, so I am stuck hauling a bike with me everywhere I go since I don't feel comfortable leaving my bike anywhere.

Most places in town are OK during the day as long as a bike is parked in a public place with people around. Using a U-lock and a cable lock will help as a theft is less likely to carry tools to defeat both. Make sure what you lock it to is secure and can't be broken or removed. Trees and many street signs are not good as they can be easily removed from the ground.

Don't leave a bike outside overnight. It will get stolen or striped for parts.

Placing stickers and other personal features on the bike may help as well.

Some business will allow you to take your bike inside if you are really worried about theft, it never hurts to ask.

Certain places are worse than others. The library downtown is really bad and Commercial/Broadway Station is not great either.

In the end, theft ends up being a cost of cycling and unless your bike is really expensive or your bikes get stolen often, it is cheaper than driving or using transit.

[racc]

Originally Posted by whatnext

If the City thought it had a battle from Dunsmuir Street merchants, just wait if they try to implement a dedicated bike lane along Main Street or Commercial.

It will be richly ironic to see Mayor Moonbeam, champion of Cambie Street merchants (when cameras are rolling) trying to defend trashing the livelihoods of small businesses.

It really wasn't much of a battle. The owner of the pizza place is happy because the street is safer and more cyclists means more mouths to sell slices to. A cafe owner was a bit worried but I would be really surprised if his business suffers. The hotel was worried about customer drop-off but this is only an issue during rush hours. The hi-fi store's claim that they will lose a million dollars just isn't credible. Don't forget, the media always looks for controversy because it is good for ratings and clicks on web sites.

On Commercial Drive and Main Street, there are already a lot of cyclists shopping at business. Improving bicycle access will mean more customers for many businesses. Customers that have money because they are not wasting it on a car and parking.

In the end, people are clever and resourceful. A business owner can easily adapt to challenges far greater than the bike lane.

[LotusLand]

Don't know if this has been posted but looks like Vancouver will be getting a BIXI program soon!

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2010/06/vancouver-bixi-program-launch-2011.html

I like the investment the city is making in cycling. I think its a step in the right direction. Who knows maybe we'll get that cool cyclist/ped only bridge across false creek one day...

[paradigm4]

Originally Posted by LotusLand

Don't know if this has been posted but looks like Vancouver will be getting a BIXI program soon!

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2010/06/vancouver-bixi-program-launch-2011.html

I like the investment the city is making in cycling. I think its a step in the right direction. Who knows maybe we'll get that cool cyclist/ped only bridge across false creek one day...

VCB doesn't link to any official announcement and Google doesn't bring me up anything either. I call BS. I'm sure a bike share is coming, but they are still studying it right now. Bixi is just one of many operator choices.

[cabotp]

Originally Posted by usog

Just a question to the cyclists out there: What are the actual chances of having your bike stolen? Living in other countries, ones in East Asia, I could bike to a store or restaurant and leave my bike outside, not even locked usually, go inside, and by the time I finish up my business it would still be there. A reason I haven't really been using my bike for trips in Vancouver is all the horror stories I hear about the whole bike-stealing situation in Vancouver. That and there seems to be an extreme lack of bike-storage places around hubs/transit areas, so I am stuck hauling a bike with me everywhere I go since I don't feel comfortable leaving my bike anywhere.

Well first off there is just as much of a chance of your biking getting stolen in Vancouver as there is in Burnaby or Surrey or other places. So don't assume that if you are in one area that you are safer than in another area.

If a thief wants your bike given enough time they will get it. It is the same as a car if a thief wants it they will get it. No matter how locked down it is. Want you want to do is try and make it has hard as you can for the thief not to get you bike. Of course for each level of security it is one more level you will have to remove to get your bike mobile. So there is a pay off and you have to decide how valuable your bike is.

The bike I currently have is nothing special so for now I'm just using a simple chain with a pad-a-lock. But if I had a more valuable bike I'd have a U-Lock, a chain and a cable.

[lezard]

Originally Posted by paradigm4

VCB doesn't link to any official announcement and Google doesn't bring me up anything either. I call BS. I'm sure a bike share is coming, but they are still studying it right now. Bixi is just one of many operator choices.

Then your google must be broken, take it back and ask for one that works.

The sun had the same story two days ago.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Vancouv...hift+into+higher+gear/3164096/story.html

[deasine]

Originally Posted by lezard

Then your google must be broken, take it back and ask for one that works.

The sun had the same story two days ago.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Vancouv...hift+into+higher+gear/3164096/story.html

Hey. Watch your attitude here. No need to be rude and arrogant.