Tim Pawsey reports in today:
I frequently catch the 257 bus at Dunsmuir at Hamilton Street. I like to get on at the originating terminus, which allows me plenty of time to take in the surrounding activity. (It also guarantees me a seat because the bus is very often overloaded. West Van Blue Bus hasn’t quite figured out how popular this route has become.)
Over the last few months, it’s been interesting to watch the increase in traffic on this bike lane, which runs right behind the stop.
I wasn’t able to capture the large number of cyclists today, as it is just too dangerous to stand in the way. There is actually a crosswalk between the sidewalk and the stop, which is on an island. But pedestrians know that it is best to stay out of the way.
This has become a formidable commuter route. Maybe the city should consider putting a counter here …
Yes, this bike lane is starting to become a victim of it’s own success, especially during peak (rush hour) periods. Seems really popular with the new Mobi riders, I see them in their multitudes when I ride through. I hope that it will be easier to ride east when the viaducts come down, so there will be no need for the paced traffic light system that is preferential to people traveling west.
Nothing the rainy season won’t take care of in a couple of weeks.
Maybe a few less riders, I ride this way year ’round (got Gore Tex?). “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”
The idea that bike traffic drops off to nothing once summer passes is incorrect, though often repeated.
It’s not actually dangerous for the people waiting for the bus but it can be unsettling sometimes. People are crossing a road and need to look both ways before crossing like any other road.
The bus shelter and bike lane were well designed for their day but maybe now could be redone for the even greater volume we now have. (More east-west cycle routes are needed as well.)
The island could be wider and the bus shelter put on it. Then the bike path swerve around that. Later on though Dunsmuir will be a two-way street after the viaducts come down. (I might be wrong about this.)