Frequently asked questions

We're planning to improve active transportation along Smithe Street (Richards Street to Thurlow Street). The proposed upgrades will:

• Close major gaps in the existing bike network by providing an east-west connection between the West End and Cambie Bridge.
• Create safer intersections for everybody through protected intersections.
• Be delivered using a quick-build approach to minimize impacts.
• Maintain sufficient vehicle capacity for pre-COVID volumes.

• Upgrade Smithe Street (Richards St to Thurlow St) to create an all ages and abilities cycling connection between the Cambie Bridge and the West End.
• Improve safety by providing a protected bike lane, protected intersections and addressing conflicts with turning vehicles 
• Maintain motor vehicle capacity and parking with active transportation upgrades

• Take the online survey and share your feedback at vancouver.ca/smithe-street-upgrades
• Email the project team at: smithestreetupgrades@vancouver.ca
• Through online services in the VanConnect app
• By calling 3-1-1

• There is a major east-west gap between a number of existing and future routes in the Downtown Bike Network. There are only two east-west connecting routes - the existing Dunsmuir St protected bike lane and the future Drake Street route. The distance between these two routes is more than 1000m.
• People cycling share either a travel lane with motor traffic, or mix with pedestrians on the sidewalk.
• Unprotected intersections feel unsafe and contribute to conflicts between road users especially while turning.
• The current street design can make it challenging for people cycling to change lanes, which they may need to do to get out of turning lanes or to access a painted bike lane.
• People cycling westbound on Smithe St from Haro St need to turn at Burrard St (a painted bike lane southbound) to not ride against traffic. Eastbound cycling is currently allowed only until Smithe St at Burrard St, 1 block short of Hornby St.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Council’s ‘Reallocation of Road Space to Support Shared Use During Pandemic’ Motion in May 2020, staff have been re-shaping how we use our streets and public spaces to help residents physically distance and provide opportunities to exercise and travel more comfortably. Some of the key projects include Beach Avenue Room-to-Move, a 40km network of Slow Streets, hundreds of new patio spaces, and dozens of plazas and social service parklets.

As we’ve seen more people cycling and walking in Vancouver with the continuation of the pandemic, staff have identified another project that can be delivered quickly to provide more space for travel, both during the pandemic and the recovery.

By upgrading active transportation on Smithe Street (Richards Street to Thurlow Street) using a low-cost approach, we will fill a key gap in the downtown cycling network. Recognizing that many people may still not want to take transit in the COVID recovery phase, the project will provide a direct comfortable east-west cycling route between the West End and the Cambie Bridge.

• Close major gaps in the existing bike network by providing an east-west connection between the West End and Cambie Bridge.
• Create a separate space for walking, cycling, motor vehicles to reduce conflicts as well as improve safety and comfort
• Create safer intersections for all road users through protected intersections and address turning conflicts
• Ensure the cycling route safely connects to existing and future routes 
• Maintain sufficient motor vehicle capacity and some parking and loading opportunities
• Minimize construction impacts by using a quick-build approach and coordinate with nearby projects

COVID-19 Mobility Response and Recovery

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Council’s ‘Reallocation of Road Space to Support Shared Use During Pandemic’ direction in May 2020, staff have been re-shaping how we use our streets and public spaces to help residents physically distance and provide opportunities to exercise and travel more comfortably. Improving sustainable mobility options will support Vancouver’s economic recovery and having a range of travel options will help our transition back to normal.

Climate Emergency Response 

In November 2020, Council approved the Climate Emergency Action Plan (link) to increase the City’s efforts to address climate change.

One of the six ‘big moves’ to reduce Vancouver’s carbon pollution is to accelerate the target of making two-thirds of trips by active transportation and transit to 2030, advancing Transportation 2040 mode share target by ten years.

Improve Downtown Connections

Approved by Council in 2012, Transportation 2040 Plan (link) is a long-term strategic vision for the city that helps guide transportation and land use decisions and public investments for the years ahead.

The plan identifies Smithe St as a critical gap in the All Ages and Abilities (link) cycling network to prioritize for the upgrades. Smithe St connection was also identified on the 5-Year Cycling Network: Additions & Upgrades (2018-2022) Map (link).

On busy streets, the All Ages and Abilities cycling network improves comfort and safety with protected bike lanes and thoughtfully designed intersections. 

Filling the gaps between existing All Ages and Abilities cycling routes is an effective way to improve comfort, convenience and safety for people cycling and rolling to progress towards our Climate Emergency targets.

1999-2015 | Identified in the Plans

An east-west cycling connection between the West End and the Cambie Bridge was identified through a number of previous planning initiatives and implemented in phases through a number of related projects. 

2016-2018 | Previous Improvements

Protected bike lanes were installed on Smithe and Nelson streets from Beatty St to Richards St as part of the 2016 Downtown Bike Network Expansion.

Smithe St bike lane protection was extended up to the intersections to Cambie, Hamilton, and Homer streets as part of repaving coordination.

Spring 2021 | Early Stakeholder Meetings

Staff virtually met with stakeholders like the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, the Provincial Court of British Columbia, the Orpheum and Commodore Theatres and the area BIA to present the design and receive initial feedback.

Spring/Summer 2021 | Gather Public Feedback

We are collecting public feedback from local businesses and the public on the recommended design.

Staff are interested in learning more about local access. We will review and adjust the design based on public and stakeholder feedback.

Summer/Fall 2021 | Implementation

The initial phase of construction will use a quick-build approach with simple physical separation and traffic signal changes to separate phases for busy right turns.

Staff are aware of nearby construction projects; we are phasing our work to minimize impacts to Smithe St. 

Currently, we are collecting public feedback from local businesses and the public on the recommended design. Staff are interested in learning more about local access. We will review and adjust the design based on public and stakeholder feedback.

In late summer or fall 2021, the initial phase of construction will use a quick-build approach with simple physical separation and traffic signal changes to separate phases for busy right turns. 

Staff are aware of nearby construction projects, we are phasing our work to minimize impacts to Smithe St.

Our team is using following tactics to engage with nearby residents and businesses:

• A notification letter: Letters are mailed out to the nearby residents and businesses near Smithe Street providing details of the project and information on ongoing engagement. 
• Posters: Eye-level signs are installed along Slow Streets, targeting people walking, cycling, or rolling in the area to promote the initiative. 
• Social media: We are promoting the project through various social media channels and targeted ads.
• An online survey:  We are asking for public feedback about the proposed upgrades on Smithe St (between Richards St to Thurlow St). The input will help us adjust the design and inform implementation.
• Partner Network: Stakeholders are encouraged to share engagement opportunities with their members and networks.

You can view a copy of the notification letter in the "Documents" tab.

Please review additional details about the project on the Smithe Street Upgrades webpage: vancouver.ca/smithe-street-upgrades. Please fill out a feedback survey online by 7 June 2021 and share your thoughts. Your input will help us adjust the design and inform implementation. Staff are aware of nearby construction projects and are coordinating and phasing the work to minimize impacts.

For residents:

If you are part of the representative group for your building and would like to meet with staff to discuss how these options affect your building, please email our team and provide your building’s address, your representative role, and a phone number where you can be contacted. Staff will follow up with you in the coming weeks to arrange a meeting with you and your group.

For businesses:

We want to better understand how local businesses use Smithe St to make sure the proposed changes accommodate business access needs. If you are a business owner or representative and would like to meet with staff to discuss how the proposed design affects your business or property, please email our team. Please provide your building’s address, your representative role, and a phone number where you can be contacted. Staff will follow up with you in the coming weeks to arrange a virtual meeting with you and your group. 

Any questions or comments related to the Smithe Street Upgrades, please contact our team by:

1. By e-mailing smithestreetupgrades@vancouver.ca
2. Through online services in the VanConnect app
3. By calling 3-1-1