And it is pretty much a myth that bike routes on residential streets are uncontroversial. There have been several instances where they have been very controversial and in several cases, the city has backed down from making improvements. Traffic calming was rejected by residents on the Cypress Bikeway 15 years ago. Five or so years ago, traffic calming was removed on 45th Avenue. And the removal of parking on a section of York and Pt Grey needed to make the bikeway better was also rejected.

And is is also a myth that bike lanes on arterials are always controversial. Several have gone in with little fuss including Dunsmuir and sections of Smithe, Nelson, Cambie and Burrard.

The reality is that there is much more space on arterial streets to make them work for everyone including people cycling with protected bike lanes. Residential streets are often very narrow making it difficult safe high volume bike routes while still keeping parking and essential vehicle access.