VANCOUVER Park Board’s ABC commissioners on Monday voted to approve an amended version of ‘Option C’, presented by Park Board staff, which outlines the plans and timeline for the removal of significant portions of the existing temporary bike lane and the implementation of new, dedicated cycling infrastructure in the park.

“Stanley Park is a crown jewel of our city,” said Park Board Chair Scott Jensen. “We’re proud to be making good on our campaign promise to make it more accessible for all residents and visitors.”

Under ‘Option C’, a vast majority of the temporary bike lane will be removed by May, with small portions being kept for public safety reasons. These portions will not disrupt traffic flow on Stanley Park Drive.

“This summer, visitors can look forward to improved traffic flows on Stanley Park Drive and increased access to the parking lots at Lumberman’s Arch, The Teahouse, and Second Beach,” said Jensen. “It’s important that these much-beloved sections of the Park are accessible to all visitors.”

In addition, new dedicated cycling infrastructure will be implemented by Summer 2024. Park Board staff will gather data this summer to create options for the new infrastructure and report back to the Board no later than November 2023. This will provide ample opportunity for input from all stakeholders, including accessibility groups, business owners, cyclists, and park users.

“These upcoming changes will have a significant and positive impact on Stanley Park,” said Jensen. “Our whole team is looking forward to seeing visitors return as these improvements come to life.”

ABC Vancouver holds six out of seven spots on the Vancouver Park Board.

Meanwhile, Lisa Slakov, the Vancouver/UBC HUB Local Committee Park Board Liaison, said: “We are deeply disappointed that the Park Board Commissioners are prioritizing two lanes of motor vehicle traffic in Stanley Park over the safety and comfort of vulnerable road users. This regressive move will discourage environmentally-friendly activities in the Park, will suppress the use of the park by children and families, older people, and people with disabilities, and flies in the face of the overwhelming support of the bike lane by the people of Vancouver.”