Longer commutes are something that have become more commonplace for the average homeowner, as more and more people look to live in the fringe areas of our cities. The main reason? Cost, which is closely followed by space or price per square foot. So, accessibility and commute play a big factor when selecting a neighbourhood to live in. Whether you need access to a major highway or a bus/skytrain route, knowing just how and how long it will take you to get to work (or school) is an important part of our day-to-day.

Fortunately for us here in Vancouver, we have a relatively commuter-focused city, with plenty of options for getting from A to B. Biking to and from your place of work has grown in popularity over the years, with many commercial buildings offering “end of trip” facilities. Our city has adapted to accommodate more spacious bike lanes and designated greenways for cyclists and walkers alike. The idea of the greenway isn’t a new one— the first vision for this was developed by one Harold Bartholomew who wanted to see a continuous parkway from Stanley Park around False Creek. For the last 20 years, the City of Vancouver has been implementing strategies and construction to create a more inclusive environment for two wheels.

One notable route in Vancouver is the Arbutus Greenway, which takes patrons from False Creek all the way to the Fraser River (or vice versa). This has allowed for a much less painful commute for a lot of South Vancouver residents, who likely wouldn’t have thought to jump on their bike to get downtown before. For riders going the opposite way, the Milltown Bar & Grill is an excellent end of the line pit-stop with an active marina and great views of the Fraser River. For those who are interested in making a move into the Marpole neighbourhood, this bike route will get you from your front door to False Creek in under an hour. Not to mention, you get a relaxed ride with minimal traffic and a ton of that fresh BC air.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newbie on the bike, Vancouver’s greenways and bike lanes will have you navigating the city like a certified tour guide.

For more information on biking in the city, you can visit https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/greenways-for-walking-and-cycling.aspx.

Thinking of moving into a more bike friendly neighbourhood? Contact Michele at info@michelelaurent.ca to chat about available listings!