BikeBC
GUIDELINES FOR BICYCLE
NETWORK PLANS
BikeBC – Moving Cycling Forward
A comprehensive bicycle plan is more than just a map of designated bicycle routes. Just as a
road network plan or transit system plan encompasses a wide range of issues, a bicycle plan
should do the same. In addition to the bicycle network component, a comprehensive bicycle
plan should consider design guidelines, maintenance, end-of-trip facilities, a capital expenditure
plan, supporting programs and on-going monitoring.
Although an adopted bicycle network plan (item 2 below) is the only requirement for
BikeBC funding, local governments are encouraged to incorporate these additional
components into their bicycle plans to enhance bicycle use, safety, and to minimize an
agency’s potential liability and maximize cost effectiveness. Note that where bicycle
network plans include cycling facilities within Provincial highway right-of-way, agreement
must be received from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s area operations
manager.
Components of a comprehensive bicycle plan include:
1.
Goals and objectives to be achieved by the bicycle plan
2.
A bicycle network plan, in which bicycle routes, pathways and other infrastructure are
integrated with the municipal and regional roadway network, pathways, park systems
and transit services. The bicycle network plan should include:
 On-street routes, which might include signed routes on local streets, wide curb lanes
and bicycle lanes on collector roads and arterial roads and “enhanced” bikeways
along local streets paralleling arterial roads;
 Off-street pathways and trails. Generally these would be multi-use pathways shared
with pedestrians, runners, equestrians and in-line skaters;
 Other bicycle infrastructure, such as access ramps to bridges, underpasses and
overpasses, bicycle-only traffic barriers, etc. and;
 A strategy to minimize conflict between cyclists and motorists, particularly on
commuter routes that are heavily congested.
The bicycle network plan should accommodate transportation cyclists, who travel by
bicycle to work, school and errands. Additionally, the bicycle network plan may
accommodate recreational cyclists.
The bicycle network should provide direct access for cyclists to major destinations within
a municipality or regional district as well as connections to regional and provincial bicycle
routes. Examples of major destinations include schools, commercial and office centres,
intermodal transportation centres and recreational areas.
3.
Design guidelines for bicycle infrastructure, which have been integrated into roadway
and development guidelines. These guidelines should not only specify dimensions for
various types of bicycle infrastructure, but should also address intersection configuration
and laning, surface materials, grades, signage, pavement markings, bicycle crossings,
illumination and means of accommodating cyclists during construction projects.
March 2015
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BikeBC
GUIDELINES FOR BICYCLE
NETWORK PLANS
BikeBC – Moving Cycling Forward
4.
Maintenance policies and procedures for bicycle infrastructure. In many cases,
maintenance of bicycle infrastructure can be incorporated into existing road maintenance
programs. Additional maintenance, particularly sweeping, may be required for off-street
pathways and bicycle lanes. Increased maintenance may also be appropriate for highuse bicycle routes.
5.
End-of-trip bicycle facilities. Plans and design guidelines should be provided for:
 Secure, long-term bicycle parking, such as bicycle lockers and bicycle rooms;
 Short-term bicycle parking such as bicycle racks; and
 Showers and clothing lockers.
6.
A capital expenditure plan identifying estimated costs of various bicycle projects and
the anticipated timing of implementation. Where possible, construction of bicycle
infrastructure should be coordinated with other municipal roadway and transportation
projects.
7.
Supporting programs. To maximize the effectiveness and success of the bicycle plan,
a strategy to implement supporting programs should be included. These programs
include:
 Amendments to municipal plans and policies, such as official community plans,
neighbourhood plans, development guidelines and recreational plans;
 Programs to increase the awareness of cycling opportunities, the benefits of cycling
and to encourage increased levels of cycling. Examples of these programs include
bicycle route maps and bike-to-work events;
 Education programs directed at cyclists and motorists to promote safe cycling skills
and encourage road users to share the road;
 Strategies to enforce applicable Motor Vehicle Act regulations;
 Community involvement and communications strategies — including the creation of a
Bicycle Advisory Committee — to include cyclists and other members of the
community in the process of developing and implementing the bicycle plan.
8.
An on-going monitoring plan designed to collect information on how well the bicycle
plan achieves established objectives and targets and enables the municipality or region
to implement changes to the plan in later years as appropriate.
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