Councillors in Vancouver have pushed the city's commitment to cycling into a higher gear.
Council wrapped up several hours of public submissions late Tuesday night by voting in favour of a separated bike lane through the centre of Vancouver's downtown core.
Construction of the $3.2-million Hornby Street bike lane is expected to begin within weeks, despite strong opposition from area businesses.
They argued the bike route will remove more than 100 parking spaces and impede access to their stores, restaurants and hotels.
But advocates insist the Hornby cycling lane is a vital link between two other separated routes across the Burrard Street Bridge and along Dunsmuir Street.
City staff will monitor the new lane for ridership, traffic volumes, and business impacts and will use the details as Vancouver prepares its next 10-year transportation plan.
