On July 13, the City of Vancouver opened trial protected bike lanes on the Burrard Street Bridge. This is a vital safety improvement, and with about 40,000 people walking and cycling over the bridge weekly, many will benefit.

Update July 31: the City of Vancouver has released first statistics of lane traffic volumes; cycling trips have increased by up to 40%.

The success of this trial is dependent on the lanes being widely used.

You can help make the Burrard Bridge trial a success! Here's how:

• Bike over the Burrard Street Bridge as much as possible, especially during the first day and week of the trial. Even if it means going out of your way, using the lanes is the best way to show the City you appreciate this safe bridge crossing, as well as future bike infrastructure.
• Tell your friends, family, and coworkers to bike over the bridge. The new lanes mean a safer crossing for everyone--even those who may have been nervous to bike over the bridge before. What better way to get from downtown to the beach and points beyond?
• Email Mayor Gregor Robertson and Council (and cc us) to let them know you support the bike lane trial. The City will hear from irritated motorists; make sure they get the other side of the story, too. You can also phone them.
• Send emails or letters to media letting them know you support the trial. The media often focus on conflict between drivers and cyclists. Positive words from people who use the new bike lanes demonstrate this trial is a win for everyone.
• Tell us, and the media, about success stories. We want to hear about how the trial has affected your cycling experience over the bridge. Has it resulted in you taking the bridge more regularly? Cycling more frequently? Are you a driver who's decided to park the car and cycle over the bridge? How frequently?
• Join the Burrard Bridge Bike Lanes Facebook group.
• Don't take motorists' confrontational bait. If you're biking over the bridge (or elsewhere) and are confronted by an angry motorist, be a good ambassador. Ride on.

A few points to consider:

• From June to October 2008, 8 cyclists were admitted to emergency as a result of accidents involving interactions on the narrow Burrard Bridge sidewalk. Five of the injuries involved motor vehicles. Only one serious accident was recorded on the Cambie Bridge and another on the Granville Bridge in the same five-month period.
• The trial means better safety for everyone - cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
• The number of people walking, cycling and jogging over the bridge is expected to increase as more individuals choose sustainable transportation methods and the city's population continues to grow.
• The City is encouraging motorists to take Granville Street Bridge.
• Update July 14 - The predicted "traffic gridlock" has failed to materialize. We know that because of this trial, a number of drivers have parked the car and are biking or walking to work.
• Find out more about the bike lanes trial at the City of Vancouver website.

Thank you for helping to make the Burrard Bridge trial a success! We're always open to hearing your feedback, questions, comments and concerns.