In my opinion, the best thing to happen to cycling in Richmond, maybe ever, was the creation of the Canada Line bridge.
Before its construction, any cyclist wanting to ride to Vancouver would have to share the road with traffic over the Arthur Laing Bridge, which ends with you having to merge in three lanes of traffic as the bike lane abruptly ends.
Or you could ride the sidewalk on the Oak or Knight bridges, which, in my experience, seem to get debris and glass from vehicle accidents shovelled onto them a couple of times a week.
With the Canada Line bridge, finally there was a safe route across the river specifically designed for a person with any type of bike and any skill level to leave Richmond safely.
The bridge is officially called the North Arm Bridge, but I’ll always refer to it as the Canada Line Bridge, so you know I’m talking about the bridge the train goes over.
I’m going to try and entice some people who maybe have never thought of cycling out of Richmond.
Of course, you will want to know where you can go if you cross over. Well, what if I told you that Queen Elizabeth Park is merely 3.5 kilometres away from there?
And if you go just 3.5 kilometres further, you’re in False Creek. Both destinations are great places to explore by bike.
Q.E. Park by bike is relaxing, and parking under a tree with a book is even better. Maybe even lock your bike and play some mini golf.
False Creek has a fabulous sea wall with built-in bike lanes, and in another 10 minutes you’re at Granville Island with all its shops and live attractions.
There is a catch, though. Vancouver has one thing aplenty of which Richmond cannot offer - and that’s hills.
The 3.5km ride to Q.E. Park is uphill, but it’s not too bad. Cambie has a dedicated bike lane, and if you want less traffic then Ontario Street running parallel is a dedicated bike route.
If you’re not used to hills, it might seem tough at first, but I promise it gets easier as you go up. And, you know the saying “what goes up, must come down,” so on your way home you literally roll downhill for 3.5 km.
Rest your legs and enjoy the breeze! If you go on to False Creek, you roll all the way down to it, then will work your way back up on the return. It’s a ride you just can’t get in Richmond.
OK, you’re sold and you want to do it, so how do you get to the Canada Line bridge?
If you’re on bike, you can simply get onto the bike lane on Railway, Granville or Garden City and it will take you directly to Van Horne Way, which goes straight to the bridge.
Another option is to drive your bikes, park on Van Horne and then start your ride at the bridge. I recommend this ride and think we’re lucky to have it.
Geordie McGillivray is an avid Richmond cyclist. His Saddle Up column appears regularly in the Richmond News.
