deeb

After a long hiatus, I am introducing my partner and my baby to bike touring. (Weekend jaunts, really. We rode from Swartz Bay to Victoria and surrounds a few weeks back.)

We live in North Vancouver. We want to ride to the ferry at horseshoe bay and go a bit on sunshine coast. I have looked at the bike maps. I have heard a few riders say to go along the highway as it has a less strenuous grade and wide shoulders. I have myself ridden to lighthouse park by way of Marine Drive with baby in tow- The rolling hills were do-able but the traffic was a bit unnerving. I did think it would be a viable route until another mum's great look of shock in regards to my towing along that way, and the recent news of cyclists being hit.
Can anyone tell me about the safety of the routes?
Are there any other route ideas that anyone may know of?

I have never really been scared of traffic before but now feel apprehensive and ride much less than I would like. I would really love my family to grow to love this activity as much as i do, and as I am the 'leader' in these endeavors, it does not do to have traffic worry.

lhbernhardt

You're probably better off on the Upper Levels with a trailer, as there's a wide shoulder from Taylor Way to the construction just before the ferry terminal. The question is, what's the best way to get to the Upper Levels?

From North Van, I would probably take the Lower Road/Esplanade/W.1st/Welch to Park Royal, then ride to the far west parking lot of Park Royal where there's a path that will get you into Ambleside Park. The road thru the park empties onto 13th St., which is probably the easiest grade and quietest route up to Mathers. From there you have to jog over to 15th. Lots of traffic, but the road is wide enough for a trailer, and you can get onto the Upper Levels from 15th.

The Lower Levels have some blind sections that could put a trailer at risk. A solo bike or even a tandem would be OK, and of the three times this year I've taken the Horseshoe Bay Ferry, two of them I rode Marine Drive on my fixed gear bike. You get the odd bus going by, and the road becomes very narrow indeed.

Going out and coming back, you want to be careful at the area where they're doing all the road constuction. The shoulder pretty much disappears here, and although signs limit traffic speed, you can't really slow ferry traffic.

Luis

deeb

Thanks for the hints. I noticed many riders (every body passed me), when I took marine out to the lighthouse park. I felt a bit out of place as they were all looking like people training...
Some folks have said that thought the marine dr. route is narrow, spotted with blind areas, and fairly well trafficked, that the cars are very used to numbers of bikes, and are a bit careful. Others added that with a trailer I am bigger and more easily avoided. I am not so sure I buy that.

I have not tried the upper levels yet but have heard a few votes as that being a bit safer and maybe easier as an incline. I was scouting a route similar to what you suggested; excepting the 13th street suggestion. The maps shows cutting up 29th, I believe. Usually i would worry too much about an incline (other than my pushing a bit more than I should and paining my knee and lower back). The trailer really adds a bit of weight.

In regards to the construction area "going out and coming back"; are you meaning the area right near to the ferry entrance-exit way of the highway? I have not been up that way in a while. I am unfamiliar with the construction 'progress'.

Off Topic:
I have seen some real pretty fixies around, and I am in wonder of how are the downhills handled? I do not think I could survive the downhill experience.

BCRoad

I agree that the Upper Levels is probably the best option when towing a trailer. I love riding out Marine Drive to Horseshoe Bay, but it can get tight in spots if there is a lot of traffic.

My preferred route to get up to Mathers is to go up Capilano Road and turn left (dedicated turn lane) onto Fullerton Ave. Follow Fullerton across the bridge and through the Woodcroft complex. There is a very short (maybe 15 feet) foot/bike path through the trees which separate Woodcroft from Keith Road. Go left on Keith, then right on Third, which wraps to the west and becomes Inglewood. Cross Taylor Way (there are pedestrian traffic controls) and then trend right on Burley which eventually meets up with Mathers. This is a bit longer than the route described above but is a less sustained climb than going straight up 13th.

This might not be the best route when towing a trailer as Capilano Road from Marine Drive to Fullerton has lots of traffic and you have to make one lane change. One way to deal with this is to pull into the parking lot of the hotel just prior to Fullerton Ave. and wait for a break in traffic so that you can cross the middle lane to the left turn lane.

Heatherbikes

Hi, I don't know too much about biking to Horseshoe Bay, but I can tell you about cycling on the Sunshine Coast. Maybe you are already familiar with the coast, but I'll give an overview. Once you get off the ferry in Langdale you look and see a huuuuuuuge hill going way up. My husband can bike up that thing, but don't do it. Take Marine Drive to the left and follow along into Lower Gibsons. From there you can take Gibsons Way which starts out steep but isn't that bad. Do not try school road unless you like 90 degree angles. Another option is to follow Gower Point Road along and up to Pratt Road which will take you to the highway. It is the nicest way and least steep but will take longer. A map is a good idea.
The highway is not great for cycling. So many people are terrified to bike on it which is why you see so few cyclists. A bit has been done in the past year to extend the shoulder through Robert's Creek but it is in bits and pieces. the shoulder is very narrow, uneven and breaks off into dirt. Drivers are not too keen on cyclists. One option is to take the turn off at Lower Road to Robert's Creek. Then you can go along Beach Avenue and go up one of the side roads like Henderson, go through the Robert's Creek Campground and back to the highway. It is actually fairly good through Wilson Creek to Davis Bay. The highway goes in a big hill up to Sechelt and is not that safe. The shoulder gets really narrow and if not careful you could end up in the ditch. Plus there is this raised bump along the road which could make pulling a trailer tricky. Once past Sechelt and Half Moon Bay the shoulder actually gets better.
From Sechelt to Langdale you will encounter logging trucks and dump trucks that drive really really fast.
I don't mean to make it sound worse than it is, but it is like this. I ride everyday and it isn't bad once you get used to it, are prepared and know when to get out of the way.
If you need bike help there is Spin Cycles in Gibsons across from the IGA, and a mountain bike shop in Sechelt on Wharf st.

deeb

thanks for the information. I have never been on the sunshine coast, so it is useful info. I have looked at some maps so what you have written is somewhat familiar. I do not worry so much about myself- I am used to getting familiar with different roads- but I am very, very cautious about trailing my baby about.