New State of Cycling report shows decrease in cycling collisions since 2017

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – TransLink and HUB Cycling are releasing the second report on the State of Cycling in Metro Vancouver, highlighting how the region’s cycling network has grown to nearly 5,000 kilometres.

The report shows that nearly 70% of Metro Vancouver residents live within 400 metres of safer, traffic-separated bikeways, an increase from 65% in 2019. Cycling safety has also increased – the collision rate involving cyclists was 22.4 collisions per million trips from 2018-2022, which fell from 25.1 collisions between 2013-2017.

"Since 2019, we have built 466 lane kilometers of traffic-separated bikeways, making it safer and easier for people to choose cycling," says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. "That means fewer cars on the road, less congestion on our streets, and healthier communities at home."

Other key discoveries include:

• Up to 400,000 adults in Metro Vancouver cycle at least once per week in the summer.
• Nearly 70% of adults in the region who have cycled in the summer months want to cycle more.
• The percentage of cycling trips made by women and girls increased to 37% and counts for one-third of the region’s cycling trips.

The report also measures programs supporting active transportation in the region. Since 2019, nearly 70% of students in grades 4 to 7 have completed cycling education, making them more likely to choose cycling as a convenient transportation mode in adulthood. Cycling education programs are offered by schools in 19 of the 23 local governments in Metro Vancouver.

"HUB Cycling looks forward to the continue positive collaboration with TransLink to keep the State of Cycling initiative moving forward," says HUB Cycling’s Director of Program Development Timothy Welsh. "State of Cycling data will empower us to create an equitable, connected, safe, and welcoming cycle route network for all residents of our region."

The Access for Everyone plan calls for building an additional 450 kilometres of safer, traffic-separated cycling paths to connect communities across the region, but the plan still requires funding. TransLink is actively working with the Mayors’ Council and senior levels of government to secure funding for the plan to meet the needs of the region.

More information:
2024 State of Cycling Report

Media downloads:
Cycling photos available here

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca