Vancouver cyclists will have a secure option to store their bikes downtown this summer.
Starting on Monday, June 19, the City of Vancouver will launch its first "Bike Valet" service next to the Vancouver City Centre SkyTrain Station on Granville Street at the corner of Georgia Street.
The bike valet operates like a "secure coat check-style service" that provides convenient parking for people riding and rolling in the city. While it can be used for bikes, folks using e-scooters, bike trailers, strollers, and personal mobility devices may also use the feature.
"By encouraging more people to choose cycling and offering a secure parking alternative, the Bike Valet plays a pivotal role in promoting clean and healthy ways to travel around the city," notes the city in a news release.
“A new bike valet service in the heart of the city means you can explore everything downtown Vancouver has to offer knowing your bike is safe and secure. Active transportation users will be able to park their wheels for a few minutes or all day and stroll the city centre stress-free knowing their rides are protected," said Mayor Ken Sim.
People who use the service will also be offered free registration with Project 529, the non-profit national bike recovery system.
Users cannot leave their bikes at the facility overnight; those left behind will be stored with the Vancouver Police Department.
The new service is sponsored by Cadillac Fairview in partnership with TransLink’s Ride & Shine Program, Downtown Van, and the city and is operated by BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation).
The free, summer-long program has space for 100 bikes and will operate daily, rain or shine, through Sept 1.
The staffed service will operate rain or shine from June 19 to Sept. 1 during the following hours:
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
