Cycling to Downtown Victoria via Pandora Bike Lanes

An amazing new bike route has been opened that takes cyclists to the heart of downtown via a dedicated 2-way bike route.   The route is physically separated from other road traffic - much safer than mere painted lines.   It's been open about a week.

Start of the 2-way bike lane at Cook and Pandora.
Mary Jane leading the way.

Mary Jane and I decided to head downtown for coffee and other misc shopping.  MEC is only a 1/2 block from the new bike route - sweet.  It feels a lot safer now. There are lights at each intersection with bike symbols that control the movement of cyclist traffic. It's like we're cycling in a European city.

Today, the City of Victoria had staff at most intersections to educate cyclists on how to navigate the new bike lanes, like how to turn left.

There are some new rules for car drivers.  All right turns are now controlled by street lights.  That will take some time for everyone to adopt.  A few car drivers were understandably falling onto established habits.  It'll take time...

Pride crosswalk en-route

Almost at destination

We locked up the bikes to some racks on a new median, between Government and Store streets.  From there you can see that the bike lanes will continue to the new bridge that is scheduled to open at the end of 2017.  The bridge will also feature a separated route for cyclists which will seamlessly flow into the Galloping Goose trail... offering a 47 km continuous cycling path to Sooke.

After a relaxing coffee at newly renovated Solstice, it was off to Copper Hat Shaving, then MEC.  Then, back to the bikes.

Lots of shops and restaurants

New bike racks

Heading back home

What a fantastic new facility.  Many thanks to the City of Victoria, City Council, and our progressive Mayor, Lisa Helps, for driving this initiative. Thinking of the bigger picture - as we come to terms with the need to reduce our impact on the planet, we'll likely be taking more local trips, and cutting back on the trips that involve driving.  These safe bike lanes offer a viable alternative getting into the downtown with less environmental impact.  And, best of all, the parking is free, plentiful, and usually right beside the shop you are visiting.