Routes and Short Cuts: Difference between revisions

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This page is dedicated to sharing the knowledge from experience from other North Shore riders to help you find the best route for you. This page is a work in progress. If you have an idea for a route or shortcut to be added please contact us.
This page is dedicated to sharing the knowledge from experience from other North Shore riders to help you find the best route for you. This page is a work in progress. If you have an idea for a route or shortcut to be added please contact us.


Metro Vancouver publishes [http://www.translink.ca/en/Cycling/Cycling-Routes.aspx cycling maps]. There is also a handy online [http://www.cyclevancouver.ubc.ca/cv.aspx cycling route planner]. Be aware that on the North Shore some of the mapped designated bike routes have gaps or no cycling infrastructure. The maps also do not show many of the short cuts, easier and safer routes that local cyclists use, which is why this page was started.
Metro Vancouver publishes [http://www.translink.ca/en/Cycling/Cycling-Routes.aspx cycling maps]. [http://maps.google.com/ Google Maps] has a cycling option when looking for directions. Google's quality of the data (bike routes and trails) shown for the North Shore is getting quite good. There is also an online [http://www.cyclevancouver.ubc.ca/cv.aspx cycling route planner] developed at UBC. Be aware that on the North Shore some of the mapped designated bike routes have gaps or no cycling infrastructure. The maps also do not show many of the short cuts, easier and safer routes that local cyclists use, which is why this page was started.

== Route Videos ==
The videos below show a few routes on the North Shore from a cyclist's perspective. The Low Level video shows the former Low Level Road next to the train tracks.
'''Designated bike routes'''
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQlzhUFZO3w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Esplanade (westbound)]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfiNgWV7rPg&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Lillooet Road (northbound)]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsunzm584C4&feature=related Low Level Road (westbound)]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdEvpdCfP4k&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Main Street & Cotton Drive (westbound)]

'''Additional routes and off-street paths'''
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVEIHo0Rhv4&feature=youtube_gdata From Capilano University to Mount Seymour Parkway]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSYNEhPD10I&feature=BF&list=ULq9tJucSvods&index=6 From Mountain Highway to Lillooet Road via Hwy 1 underpass & Old Lillooet Road]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM9F3L13dWI&feature=BF&list=ULq9tJucSvods&index=7 From Mount Seymour Parkway to Main Street & Second Narrows bridge via Hwy 1 ramp]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-lT4RMIZc8&feature=BF&list=ULq9tJucSvods&index=8 Orwell Street from Main Street to Fern Street]


== Routes ==
== Routes ==

=== Spirit Trail ===

The North Shore Spirit Trail is a Multi-Use Path (MUP) that is intended to extend from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. Currently (2023) it runs from Ambleside Park, in West Vancouver, to the Park and Tilford Shopping Mall in the District of North Vancouver.

A [[Spirit_Trail_2023 | photo essay]] written to highlight the trail describes the Spirit Trail as of 2023.

[[File:0 Map1 anotated.png|thumb|centre|Map showing the current route of the Spirit Trail in North and West Vancouver. The trail is marked with a red line.]]


=== Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th ===
=== Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th ===
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=== Village Bike Route - West Vancouver ===
=== Village Bike Route - West Vancouver ===


Following the example set by the establishment of a Village Walk in West Vancouver, it is proposed to designate a Village Bike Loop. The proposed route would connect four public schools and most of the public facilites, including 4 parks and the Community Centre within the Ambleside and Dundarave communities. Also, it would connect to the Spirit Trail and link to the bike route along the Upper Levels Highway. It would be an integral part of the West Vancouver Cycling Network.
Following the example set by the establishment of the Village Walk in West Vancouver, it is proposed to designate and mark with appropriate signage a Village Bike Loop. The proposed route would connect five public schools and most of the public facilites, including five parks and the Community Centre within the Ambleside and Dundarave communities. Also, it would connect to the Spirit Trail and link to the bike route along the Upper Levels Highway. It would become an integral part of the West Vancouver Cycling Network.


A map showing the proposed route of the Village Bike Loop is shown below:
A map showing the proposed route of the Village Bike Loop is shown below:
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=== City of North Vancouver ===
=== City of North Vancouver ===


==== CNV: Connector trail between Tempe Glen and 25th St (aka Bark Mulch Trail) ====
==== Connector trail between Tempe Glen and 25th St (aka Bark Mulch Trail) ====


[[File:Tempe Glen to 25th trail.png|100px|thumb|quick map]]
[[File:Tempe Glen to 25th trail.png|100px|thumb|quick map]]
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=== District of North Vancouver ===
=== District of North Vancouver ===


==== DNV: Phillip Ave Tunnel ====
==== Phillip Ave Tunnel ====


[[File:NS-VACC Shortcut - Phillip Tunnel.png|Quick Map|thumb|100px]]
[[File:NS-VACC Shortcut - Phillip Tunnel.png|Quick Map|thumb|100px]]
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==== DNV: Connector trail between Keith Rd and 23rd St (near Capilano ramps) ====
==== Bike Route from Pemberton Heights in North Van to the Spirit Trail in West Van including the Connector Trail between Keith Rd and 23rd St (near Capilano ramps) ====

Now that the bike lanes on Capilano Road are completed (July 2011) one can cycle between Pemberton Heights in North Van and the Lions Gate Bridge and the Spirit Trail in West Van as is shown on the following map: [[File:Ride the Riding map from the eastern boundary.jpg ]]


[[File:NS-VACC Shortcut between W Keith and 23rd.png|Quick Map|thumb|100px]]
[[File:NS-VACC Shortcut between W Keith and 23rd.png|Quick Map|thumb|100px]]
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==== DNV: Connector trail between Tatlow Ave and Capilano Rd ====
==== Connector trail between Westview Dr and 25th St ====

[[File:Trail Connecting Tatlow Ave and Capilano Rd.png|100px|thumb|quick map]]

At the north end of Tatlow Ave is a convenient trail that connects to Capilano Road opposite Graveley St. This is a perfect connector for bicycle traffic coming from Marine Drive to Capilano Road.

[http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=49.327685,-123.118281&spn=0.002423,0.003868&t=h&z=18&msid=100548870285165674554.0004871d2d029094677b2 Google Map]

<br clear="all"/>
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==== DNV: Connector trail between Westview Dr and 25th St ====


[[File:NS-VACC Shortcut between Westview Dr and 25th St.png|100px|thumb|quick map]]
[[File:NS-VACC Shortcut between Westview Dr and 25th St.png|100px|thumb|quick map]]
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<br clear="all"/>
<br clear="all"/>
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=== West Vancouver ===

Latest revision as of 21:12, 3 March 2024

This page is dedicated to sharing the knowledge from experience from other North Shore riders to help you find the best route for you. This page is a work in progress. If you have an idea for a route or shortcut to be added please contact us.

Metro Vancouver publishes cycling maps. Google Maps has a cycling option when looking for directions. Google's quality of the data (bike routes and trails) shown for the North Shore is getting quite good. There is also an online cycling route planner developed at UBC. Be aware that on the North Shore some of the mapped designated bike routes have gaps or no cycling infrastructure. The maps also do not show many of the short cuts, easier and safer routes that local cyclists use, which is why this page was started.

Route Videos

The videos below show a few routes on the North Shore from a cyclist's perspective. The Low Level video shows the former Low Level Road next to the train tracks. Designated bike routes

Additional routes and off-street paths

Routes

Spirit Trail

The North Shore Spirit Trail is a Multi-Use Path (MUP) that is intended to extend from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. Currently (2023) it runs from Ambleside Park, in West Vancouver, to the Park and Tilford Shopping Mall in the District of North Vancouver.

A photo essay written to highlight the trail describes the Spirit Trail as of 2023.

Map showing the current route of the Spirit Trail in North and West Vancouver. The trail is marked with a red line.

Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th

Quick Map

I've experimented with many routes to make this journey and have finally found what I consider to be the best route. It uses several non-car paths to gain advantage and has a steady but decent grade. Details are on a separate page



Village Bike Route - West Vancouver

Following the example set by the establishment of the Village Walk in West Vancouver, it is proposed to designate and mark with appropriate signage a Village Bike Loop. The proposed route would connect five public schools and most of the public facilites, including five parks and the Community Centre within the Ambleside and Dundarave communities. Also, it would connect to the Spirit Trail and link to the bike route along the Upper Levels Highway. It would become an integral part of the West Vancouver Cycling Network.

A map showing the proposed route of the Village Bike Loop is shown below:


Village Bike Loop 08-02-10.jpg

Shortcuts

City of North Vancouver

Connector trail between Tempe Glen and 25th St (aka Bark Mulch Trail)

quick map

For travel between Lynn Valley and Upper Lonsdale or Westview, this trail is ideal. It can get a little treacherous in rainy season and overgrown in the summer, so be careful on it. The trail itself hugs the Upper Levels highway from near the tennis courts at the south end of Tempe Glen and dumps you out on the sidewalk at the east end of 25th St.

Google Map



District of North Vancouver

Phillip Ave Tunnel

Quick Map

There's a tunnel under the Upper Levels Highway at the top of Phillip that is an easy way to get from Pemberton Heights to Capilano Highlands and vice versa. Beware of the speed checks midway through the tunnel!

Google Map



Bike Route from Pemberton Heights in North Van to the Spirit Trail in West Van including the Connector Trail between Keith Rd and 23rd St (near Capilano ramps)

Now that the bike lanes on Capilano Road are completed (July 2011) one can cycle between Pemberton Heights in North Van and the Lions Gate Bridge and the Spirit Trail in West Van as is shown on the following map: Ride the Riding map from the eastern boundary.jpg

Quick Map

A very convenient trail connecting W Keith Rd near the Capilano Rd Hwy 1 ramps to W 23rd St in Pemberton Heights. For riders needing to continue east after coming off the freeway this is perfect. Also makes up a key part of the Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th route.

Google Map

Video



Connector trail between Westview Dr and 25th St

quick map

25th St makes an excellent route connecting Lynn Valley/Upper Lonsdale and Westview. At the west end is paved trail that leads up to Westview Dr. This is also a key connector on the Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th route.

Google Map