This shot was taken on the Georgia Viaduct at exactly 8:08 am this very Friday:
There are at least two surprising things about it. What do you think they are?
Answers at the end of the day.
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ANSWER UPDATE: You got it. The comments were right on.
Why did the cyclist choose this narrow sidewalk? Didn’t know about the more comfortable Dunsmuir cycle track? Or didn’t care?
And why is the cyclist alone? Absolutely no cars anywhere. At rush hour. Downtown.
Is this what the Post-Motordom City begins to look like?
1) Why use the sidewalk when it is too narrow for cycling comfortably (and not technically legal) and 2) Why not use the separated bike facility on the Dunsmuir viaduct instead?
1. No cars on viaduct or vast parking lots below.
2. Why would the cyclist not use Dunsmuir?
NO cars – No traffic at all (apart from a cyclist who may be lost) at 8 in the morning
It isn’t raining yet the PNE is still on
Not much traffic _leaving_ downtown at 8 in the morning, and the traffic light at Beatty is red.
Where are the cars?
He better not ring his bell in annoyance that you are blocking the way.
unbelievable that this guy wouldn’t use the dunsmuir viaduct but perhaps he’s a tourist 🙂 who got lost ?
I can’t believe I looked at this photo earlier and didn’t notice the complete absence of cars… on the viaduct or in the parking lot below.
I didn’t notice it either, actually. I think it goes to show how unsurprising empty streets really are for many.
The roof on BC Place is nearly done?
Shocking that there is not a single car on the viaduct eastbound. If data shows that this is a pattern (and just a happy moment on the Friday before labour day long weekend), it is the kind of data you would hope for justifying the take down of the Viaduct.
1) Cyclists outnumber cars 100% to 0%!
2) The fact that you were on the viaduct, and able to get your camera out in less time than the bicycle was coming at you, and simultaneously look at your watch while noticing that there were no cars around.
There are no cars anywhere. No traffic/no parked cars/only one cyclist.
The United Way (red banners) is appealing to people’s desire to fund, through charity, community initiatives and social services, while the state sunk all of their tax money into a lightly used highway viaduct and a new roof for football games and monster truck shows? On second thought, that’s actually not surprising.
I like JKKT’s point; quick reflexes. That said, I echo some of the comments – it’s not at all surprising to see low volumes on the viaduct in peak period / off-peak direction, and this is a snapshot, during which a red light at Beatty or Citadel Parade might have held back the tide. Unfortunate route choice for that cyclist – seems uncomfortable, but it takes all kinds!
-D
Gordon, I believe you’ve derided similar conclusions drawn about bike lanes from one snapshot in time? I would tend to agree with David, there’s a red light holding back vehicle traffic at Beatty.
Author
Bob
Not a conclusion. An observation, and then a question.
Gord
Could also be something to the effect of a truck at the Cosmo construction site temporarily blocking that block of Georgia for 30 seconds or so.
The cyclist also probably didn’t feel like riding an extra 2 blocks to go South on Main. That sidewalk may be narrow by people used to riding on 4m wide lanes, but it’s not uncomfortable if you’re a decent rider. Look at some of the stuff on the north shore mountains.
I agree with the comment on the red light holding back traffic at Beatty.
While this roadway looks like a freeway – ultimately, it isn’t one since traffic is controlled by lights at each end.
Also, outbound traffic from reverse commuters would be likely headed for Richmond in the morning – would they take the viaduct or would they take Cambie Bridge? Also, depending on the travel time – 8:00 am may not be the peak. It may also be an inidcation of a lack of reverse commuters.
WRT the cyclist – it may be an indication of the illogic (or unpredictability) to one not familiar with the scheme of having a two-way bike path on a one-way street.
As for the parking lost below – those are primarily event lots for BC Place and GM Place. There are far, far more parking spots within closer walking distance to jobs in the downtown core – and those don’t have you walking through the DTES.