More bike parking in downtown Vancouver needed, says councillor
Councillor George Affleck is calling on the city to build 1,000 parking spots for bikes
A Vancouver city councillor is calling for 1,000 new bicycle parking spots in downtown Vancouver.
Councillor George Affleck and his NPA colleagues have a track record of opposing plans for bike lanes put forward by their rivals in Vision Vancouver.
But now Affleck is asking city staff to put together a report on how to build new bicycle parking spaces downtown.
"Less cars are coming into the city, so we should use those spaces and create secure units inside those parking facilities."
Affleck is also suggesting more bike racks and shower facilities for commuters.
Cycling advocate Richard Campbell agrees with the idea, but adds the city should also require new office buildings to provide more indoor spaces.
"I think you need to update the requirements for the building. They are assuming four to five per cent of people bike downtown and I think it is much more than that."
The proposal will formally be discussed at city council next Monday.
With files from Richard Zussman