REFERS TO ITEM NO. 1
VTC AGENDA - DEC. 7/95
POLICY REPORT
Date: November 20, 1995
Dept. File No. H193-29
TO: Vancouver Traffic Commission
FROM: General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT: Speed Limits on Recreational Bicycle Paths
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the posted speed limit of 15 km/h on the recreational shared
path portions of the Seaside Bicycle Route be retained.
COUNCIL POLICY
The Vancouver Comprehensive Bicycle Plan (1988) and the Clouds of
Change Report (1990) established the City's policy of promoting
cycling as a transportation alternative.
PURPOSE
On January 20, 1994, City Council passed a motion "THAT a speed limit
of 15 km/h on recreational bicycle paths be approved as a pilot
project for the Seaside Bicycle Route and the Stanley Park Seawall,
and that the pilot project not exceed 12 to 18 months duration with a
report back to Council at its conclusion". This report provides
Council with feedback on this project and recommends retention of the
15 km/h speed limit in the areas in which it has been posted.
BACKGROUND
The Seaside Bicycle Route is a primarily recreational route extending
between Stanley Park and Spanish Banks. Some sections of the route
are along paths shared with pedestrians. Where this is the case,
alternative on-road bypass routes have been designated for faster and
commuting cyclists.
In May of 1994, the False Creek Seawall section of the route was
signed 15 km/h in response to Council's motion.
The Vancouver Park Board had previously signed the Stanley Park
Seawall with 15 km/h signs in 1993. 15 km/h signs were installed on
those sections of the Seaside Bicycle Route that traverse Sunset
Beach, Vanier, Kitsilano Beach and Jericho Beach Parks in concert with
the signing on the False Creek Seawall.
DISCUSSION
The False Creek Seawall path borders a residential neighbourhood with
small pockets of commercial development. Use of the path by both
cyclists and pedestrians varies widely depending on time of day, day
of week and weather. There is at present no delineation between
cyclists and pedestrians.
The results of speed checks taken before and after the installation of
the 15 km/h signs are inconclusive, showing little change in speeds.
However, very few cyclists were observed to exceed the speed limit by
more than 10 km/h. The average speed of all cyclists was between 17
and 18 km/h. This suggests that a 20 km/h speed limit might also have
been consistent with appropriate behaviour. No additional funding for
policing of the speed limit was provided. On occasion, Police have
given verbal warnings to cyclists who appeared to be exceeding the
speed limit, but have not issued any tickets.
A safe, pleasant experience for both cyclists and pedestrians depends
on the cooperation of all users. The 15 km/h signs provide a reminder
to cyclists to maintain a moderate speed in keeping with the nature of
the facility, even in the absence of enforcement. The Park Board
intends to maintain 15 km/h signing on the Stanley Park Seawall and on
the park sections of the Seaside Bicycle Route. It is recommended
that the 15 km/h signing also be retained on the False Creek Seawall.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
The False Creek Community Association has included the 15 km/h signing
on its agenda at a number of recent meetings; however, this item has
been deferred in favour of more pressing issues. Staff will continue
to work with the Association in resolving any outstanding concerns.
Consideration will be given to installing additional signing to
encourage faster cyclists to use the bypass route.
The Bicycle Advisory Committee has been consulted and supports
retention of the 15 km/h signs.
CONCLUSION
The 15 km/h speed limit on shared path sections of the Seaside Bicycle
Route is generally perceived as beneficial and should be continued.
No negative impacts have been identified.
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