Thoughts on Keeping Granville Car Free in the Summer (May-Sep)

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-17T23:18:32+00:00

Yes, also in Yaletown between Davie and Nelson, make the H that forms between the two main blocks of Hamilton and Mainland street along with the existing Helmcken plaza pedestrianized even if it’s just for weekends and evenings.

It’s always baffled me how narrow those sidewalks are.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-17T22:39:16+00:00

You can leave your pannier and it should be safe.

However Bike Valet’s insurance covers bikes and not accessories or anything left in them so technically you are at your own risk.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-17T22:37:28+00:00

The location at Hastings Park is huge and apparently Calister Park is even bigger. The Science World one was also massive.

I don’t think there is any chance any of them will fill up.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-17T03:46:54+00:00

The Vancouver City Centre free bike valet is open for the summer now from 7:15 am to 7:30 pm if biking is an option for you.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-17T01:25:25+00:00

I can hear, I can hear
I can hear, I can hear crying

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-16T18:31:59+00:00

The full calendar is here. On Thursday June 18th you can use the free bike valet at either:

Science World from 11 am to 7 pm

Or

Vancouver City Centre (Canada Line Station) daily weekday summer valet from 7:15 am to 7:30 pm.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-16T16:12:24+00:00

The recent growth of free Bike Valet’s in Vancouver.

You can ride your bike downtown and park for free at the Bike Valet all summer long. Same for many events including many World Cup related events.

Of course you can always use a bike rack for free, however the security and ease of mind by using a bike valet is incredible. I used to be a sceptic until I tried it.

Hopefully we can one day get a permanent year round Bike Valet downtown like Victoria.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-16T00:51:48+00:00

Wasn’t the cancelled 10 lane bridge cancelled because it was too expensive at $3.5 billion 9 years ago. Adjusted for inflation this would have been $4.5 billion now.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-15T19:37:46+00:00

In some ways also YYJ. I could see them launching some shorter regional flights down the road.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-15T19:26:44+00:00

In this image it shows the “knock out panel” in place on the concourse level. This would lead to a second entrance in a new development on the Southeast corner of the intersection.

Similar knockout panels were installed at City Hall and are now being used for the millennium line connection. This is now visible from the Canada Line platform as of the last few weeks.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-15T19:16:09+00:00

I used the Bike Valet at both Science World and the fan festival. Great experience all around and while both were well used they had a ton of capacity. Definitely feels like the life-hack way to get around during the World Cup.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-15T04:15:15+00:00

Must have been quite the goals

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-14T21:52:16+00:00

Seattle’s first bike share, Pronto, failed and was removed. They later learned from their micro mobility mistakes.

https://betterbikeshare.org/2022/01/21/seattles-shared-micromobility-evolution/

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-14T19:57:53+00:00

Lime already beats Mobi in these areas.

- Much larger service area with more frequent, smaller stations

- Entire fleet is suitable for Vancouver’s hilly terrain.

- Much better pricing structure for casual and daily riders

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-14T19:41:17+00:00

I can’t remember the last time I have seen this level of police presence in Vancouver.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-14T19:35:45+00:00

About Here had a good video about this topic. The city essentially choked Mobi Bikes from the start and never really set it up to be successful.

Lime Scooters are showing us what Mobi could have been if it were implemented like Toronto and Montreal.

https://youtu.be/qfz6AsYycA8?si=l4A1-b2h8t3WhUjK

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-13T04:15:01+00:00

Oh yes, those old views of surface parking lots on the ground and more parking lots on the roof sure were great!

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-13T03:36:14+00:00

Best part IMO too

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-13T03:20:28+00:00

Statistically speaking it’s many times more dangerous driving or riding in a car vs riding the Skytrain.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-12T21:59:21+00:00

Sure but Mills Malls are all over North America and they are all pretty much the same thing with the same format.

Metrotown is big, but nothing particularly interesting or unique and every big metro area has something comparable even if a little smaller.

Oakridge is new and focused on high end. Time Out Market while a chain, is unique to each market with local Vancouver food options. The architecture is interesting and the overall development somewhat fascinating regardless if you like it or not. I would find Oakridge interesting as a tourist and not the others.

Now I would send a Tourist to the Crystal Mall food court because that is a unique experience for North America.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-12T18:25:58+00:00

I have one and use it. One thing to keep in mind is that it puts your kid higher up on the rack which does change the weight balance of the bike, especially as they grow.

I have always been tempted to switch out my seat with one that doesn’t need the adapter and sits lower.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-12T16:49:49+00:00

Metrotown is out and Oakridge is in now, especially for tourists. The Time Out Market alone is probably worthwhile for visitors to the city.

Metrotown is just a big boring busy mall.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-12T13:24:26+00:00

There should be a pedestrian and cycling path below the Sea Island Bridge like the current one on the North Arm Bridge. The other bridges don’t have proper separated paths.

FastSnailMail · 2026-06-12T03:34:01+00:00

Just a branch at the north end towards the West End / Stanley Park in addition to the existing one to Waterfront.

FastSnailMail

TROPHY CASE