Starting next month, the already congested Burrard Street Bridge is going to get even busier.
The city of Vancouver says a three-month bike lane trial will begin July 13.
The trial will see one southbound lane converted to bike only, as well as the east sidewalk. The west sidewalk will become pedestrian only.
Construction and preparations are set to begin July 6.
The highly contested plan will involve the repaving of part of Pacific Street, including new lane markings, signals and signs to allow a cycle lane between Thurlow and Hornby Streets on either side of Burrard Street.
A monitoring system will be in place during the trial to assess the impacts on vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
City staff will report progress back to council at the end of the three months.
A long road
Vancouver city council approved the $1.45 million pilot project in May.
Other options had included converting one vehicle lane of traffic for bike use, or handing over two full vehicle lanes for bikes.
The initial decision was postponed when a city hall meeting in April was overwhelmed by pro-lane cyclists.
Around 70,000 drivers use the Burrard Bridge daily, alongside 3,300 cyclists and 2,300 pedestrians. In one five-month period, eight cyclists were injured in traffic accidents on the bridge and taken to hospital.
The proposal has been criticized by drivers since its inception amid fears it will increase gridlock on the bridge leading to the downtown core.
Cyclists maintain the bridge in its current state is dangerous and more room is needed for two-wheeled commuters.
Council approved a similar trial in 1996 but scrapped it just a week later -- after vociferous opposition from motorists.
