Despite a decision already made on the future of the Stanley Park bike lane, some locals are still setting out to show their support for keeping it.
The bike lane along Stanley Park Drive was installed in 2021 to allow social distancing between cyclists and other park-goers. However, it has become a concern to some for various reasons and even caused a Park Board meeting to recess early due to a heated altercation.
Vancouverites who support the bike lane have organized protests to keep it in place.
Following a motion brought by ABC parks board commissioners on Jan. 16, it seemed like both sides of the bike lane debate will get their way. A vote on Feb. 13 officialized the bike lane's future.
Unlike previous protest rides, this "maiden voyage" aims to unite all users of Stanley Park, as implied by the ride's name "Stanley Park For All - Not Just Car Owners."
"If you enjoyed the Stanley Park bike lane these past [two and a half] years and would like to see this lane remain, please come out to enjoy it this Sunday afternoon," reads the Facebook post announcing the event. "Show the Vancouver Parks Board they made the wrong decision last month in voting to dismantle this wonderful new bike lane."
The post notes that the event is not an official Love the Lane ride.
"Bring as many seniors and families with kids as you can," the post continues, encouraging folks to bring or borrow cargo bikes, electric bikes, scooters, and one-wheeled e-bikes too.
"If possible, have signs attached to your bike saying 'Stanley Park For All - Not Just Car Owners'."
The ride takes place on Sunday, March 19, at 1 p.m. starting in the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation Office parking lot.
"We will be taking both lanes so that cars cannot overtake us," adds the event post. Though the ride will take up more than the bike lane, participants will periodically stop to let slower riders catch up and allow cars to overtake.
