vmec

The deal is I'd love to start commuting to work, however I'm too fearful to attempt to cross and exit the Knight Street bridge properly.

If anyone is willing to show me the way- I'd be gracious!

tomecki

You might know this already, but you're supposed to ride on the side walk on the Knight St. bridge. That might make it less daunting.

https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/map-cycling-vancouver.pdf

Big Lew

I've ridden across both ways many times. The only scary area is the exit-entrance ramps halfway that access Mitchell road. The only real safe way is to take them to the Mitchell Road stop signs and then ride back up on the other side of them back to the bridge.

vmec

So how do you get on the bridge? I don't like the idea of flying down knight street alongside semis! I was thinking of taking the entrance from Marine on coming from the west.

And how do I get off the bridge? I need to head to no. 6 road and Cambie area.

lhbernhardt

Unless you're starting off east of Knight St. in Vancouver, you are probably better off taking the Skytrain bicycle bridge at the foot of Cambie (Vancouver), then taking the River Rd/No.5/Vulcan/Viking route to Cambie (Richmond). Much quieter (although it's starting to get a little busy at times, but nowhere near Bridgeport level), and it's on the standard training route.

Luis

vmec

I live at Boundry and Kingsway... so yeah biking to Cambie would not be an option for me.

Big Lew

If you are starting from Boundary and Kingsway, make your way over to Tyne, drop down to 54th, go west where it turns into Argyle, follow Argyle down to Marine, cross over using the light, ride the sidewalk the block west and up along the sidewalk on the eastbound exit ramp coming off the bridge. Ride south on the bridge east sidewalk, (you'll see where to cross the entrance ramp coming from Mitchell road) keeping on it as it curves off toward 6 rd. along side of the north entrance ramp from Bridgeport Road east. Follow 6 rd. to Cambie.

vmec

I think I get the route!

So I don't need to obey the flow of traffic? I can ride southbound on the eastside of the bridge?

OK now, how long do you think that commute would take? I have a hybrid bike, and am not a speedy rider.

Big Lew

I've never had anyone accost me about riding on the east side, but remember to use the sidewalk system, not the roadway. As for the time....probably about 3/4 hr. going and an additional 1/2 hour heading back, the worst being Argyle from Marine to 54th.

NaBlade

Tyne and 54th are good choices. But instead of taking Argyle from 54th, I would make a left (south) on Kerr. Take Kerr all the way down to Kent Bikeway (past Marine). Kent is a bikeway, almost free of cars.

Two advantages of this route for you, vmec:
- It gives you the choice of either going up the west side or east side of Knight St. For the west side, just continue on Kent, go under the bridge and make a right on Crompton (there's a sign to the bridge). If opting for the cross-traffic east side, make a right on Borden.
- And if you don't like mingling with traffic, this allows you some breathing room on the Kent Bikeway, with Kerr also having a separate bike lane.

lhbernhardt

I would agree with taking Kent. Just watch for big dump trucks at the intersections.

Also, if you choose to "salmon" against the flow of bike traffic on the bridge sidewalk, remember that proper etiquette is for the salmon to give way to the riders headed in the correct direction! You may meet with the odd aggressive racer or hardcore commuter who will just keep coming at you until you give way. I believe the 2nd Narrows Bridge to North Van finally has some signs directing the salmon to yield.

And it's also good etiquette for the rider coming thru in the traffic direction to thank the salmon who have taken the trouble to pull over.

Luis

Big Lew

The reason I didn't suggest Kent is because of the high speed through traffic, including trucks, as well as having to climb back uphill to the bridge. I've left the area recently, but used to travel to and fro by bike from Marine and Hastings into Richmond, Burnaby and New Westminster a lot, often using Kent until I could access a bike path...sometimes it was pretty hairy along Kent.

NaBlade

No, you're talking about Kent Avenue. I'm talking about Kent Bikeway, which is separate from and parallels Kent Ave. There is an overlap between the Bikeway and Kent Ave of a 1km stretch from Victoria to Crompton, but here, an adequate separate shoulder exists. Kent Bikeway ends at Ontario, but the OP does not go that far. (There is absolutely no "high speed traffic" on Kent Bikeway.)

The uphills you mention are both short. Crompton is only 200m long and not very steep at that (6%). Borden is a tiny bit steeper (7%) but then it is shorter at only 150m. Any daily commuter can tackle these short upticks, if they can tackle Knight St. bridge.

Pokey Shabadoo

Looks like you have the route nailed down. Agree on giving right of way, be prepared to squeeze tight to the barrier. There is just enough space for two bikes to pass.

I would recommend wearing sunglasses or a clear lens when crossing Knight St. There can be a lot of dust and small debris being kicked up by all of the truck traffic that will get in your eyes. I've been commuting across the bridge for 5+ years and have lost count of the number of times I've ridden across with one or both eyes watering. Not to mention the smells...

Worst commuting bridge in Vancouver.

How's that for a positive review? The ride on either side of the bridge is fine though.

vmec

I am happy to update I have lost my commuting virginity this morning! Lucky for me I chatted up a commuter at my workplace and he offered to show me the way.

There's this tiny little ally way on 64th that puts you onto the knight street pathway, from there it was easy sailing! Well aside from not being able to jump curbs. I ought to practice when the threat of dying is significantly lower, and my pride might not have to suffer should I fail.

All in all it took about 40 mins from Joyce, which wasn't all that bad. I hope to continue to bike on nice days.

vmec

Umm yeah... that ***** stinks.