Wheels in Motion: Vancouver’s Summer Pathway Surge
Discover Vancouver’s shared bike and scooter paths this summer, and learn tips for safe cycling, walking, and riding along the scenic coastline.
Vancouver Cycling
By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | April 21, 2025
Summer brings an explosion of wheels to Vancouver's paths and sidewalks, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the sunshine on two wheels. However, even along designated bike routes, there are busy pinch points where it's safer — and expected — to dismount. Areas like the path in front of the Kitsilano Beach Restaurant, and high-traffic stretches at Jericho Beach, Locarno Beach, and Spanish Banks often see such congestion that riders are encouraged to walk their bikes or scooters to keep the area safe for all users.
As electric kick scooters and other micromobility devices grow in popularity, the City of Vancouver continues to fine-tune the rules of the road — and sidewalks — to keep everyone safe and moving efficiently. Whether you're scooting to work or cruising the Seawall, knowing where and how to ride is key.
Where You Can Ride
E-scooters are allowed on city streets, bike lanes, greenways, and most shared paths where bicycles are permitted. Popular routes like the Seawall are fair game — as long as you go with the flow and stay alert. But sidewalks? Strictly for walking your wheels. Riding on sidewalks is not only frowned upon — it’s against the rules and can earn you a ticket.
Ride Right, Ride Safe
Scooters must not exceed 25 km/h, and riders are expected to adjust their speed to match foot and bike traffic, especially on shared paths. Lights are required from sunset to sunrise, and helmets are mandatory for all riders 16 and older. Devices must also have a working bell and brakes.
Passing pedestrians or cyclists? Use your bell and give plenty of space — at least a metre. When driving, motorists are also now legally required to give e-scooter and e-bike users a safe passing distance of 1 metre (or more in higher speed zones).
Sidewalk Safety: Walk, Don’t Ride
Sidewalks are for pedestrians. E-scooter and e-bike riders should dismount and walk their devices when on sidewalks to avoid startling or endangering walkers — especially seniors and children. The Province of BC extended the electric kick scooter pilot program until 2028. This is one of several municipalities participating in this pilot. The pilot in Vancouver started in July 2021, following Council-approved changes to the by-laws.
Skateboarding, rollerblading, and push scooters in Vancouver
In 2003, Council first allowed skateboarding, rollerblading, and push scooters on local streets. In 2015, they piloted an amendment to the Street and Traffic By-law to expand the approved locations for these devices. Council made this change permanent in 2017. Today, skateboarding, rollerblading, and push scooters can be used on: Local streets, protected cycle lanes, shared paths where bikes are allowed.
Electric kick scooters by-laws are enforced by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). To report the misuse of electric kick scooters, contact the VPD’s non-emergency hotline. Excluded devices are electric micro-mobility devices that do not meet the provincial definition of an electric scooter and not included in this pilot are: Hoverboards, segway, PTs, one-wheels, monowheels and other similar devices.
Resources for Safer Cycling and Scooting
To learn more about staying safe while riding in the city, visit BicycleSafe.com for essential tips like "How Not to Get Hit by Cars". You can also check out BikeHub.ca, the home of HUB Cycling — a local non-profit that has been working since 1998 to make cycling safer and more accessible in Metro Vancouver. HUB offers education, events, and advocacy, and leads initiatives like #UnGapTheMap to connect cycling routes across the region.
Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness, or function, following the rules and staying aware ensures everyone gets to their destination safely. Let’s roll responsibly, Vancouver.
#Vancouver Cycling #Bike Safety #Scooter Life #Urban Transport #Cycling Vancouver #Sustainable Travel #Shared Pathways #Summer In Vancouver #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter
Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788
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