City of North Vancouver council marked the start of Bike to Work Week by voting down a plan for a mechanized bike lift that would give cyclists a hand (or rather, foot) up the West Keith Road hill.
At $4.24 million in capital costs, plus more than $130,000 per year in maintenance and legal liability resting with the city, this is a plan that’s best left on paper for now.
Novel as the idea was, there are probably better ways to beat the hill. Electric assist bicycles are becoming wildly popular, especially with the older crowd, because they eliminate geography as an excuse.
While we won’t mourn the bike lift, we will say the city is absolutely on the right track with its other initiatives aimed at getting more cyclists on the road. All three North Shore councils appear to be committed, to some degree, to helping us shift to more active commuting habits.
The most effective thing they can do is ensure we have safe and accessible routes that are inviting to travel. The reward will be a healthier population and less traffic congestion.
Of course, cycling won’t be a viable option for everyone at every time. Not even the most diehard cyclists believe that. But there’s no question we could be doing more.
Desirable bicycle infrastructure is only part of the equation, however. We must challenge ourselves, especially the biggest critics among us, to give it a go.
Before the week is out, if you haven’t already, dust off the old Raleigh, put some air in the tires and make use of some of the fine bicycle infrastructure we’ve already got.
You might just surprise yourself.
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