NOTE: Jack Hilton's idea "downtown alleyways cycling network" has been merged with this one.

Is there a better alternative to building separated bicycle lanes on already congested downtown streets and subsequently reduce important revenue sources for transit?

Downtown Vancouver already has an existing network of quiet alleyways and pedestrian oriented streets that connect and cross the downtown core that could be converted to dedicated bikeways shared by pedestrians and vehicles in certain locations.

Rolston Crescent travels parallel to Granville Street, starting at Pacific Blvd. under the Granville St. Bridge, to Robson St. It is the laneway behind both sides of Granville St. dividing the center of the downtown core SW to NE. It could easily serve cyclists from both the Burrard and Granville St. Bridges travelling into the downtown core.

The Rolston Crescent bikeway could shift along Robson St. to the alleyways behind Seymour and Richards Streets to the waterfront. The alleyway between Richards and Homer St. runs the full length of the downtown core from Yaletown to the Waterfront.

Robson Street from Beatty St. to Burrard St. is a natural conduit for pedestrians and should be closed to cars. Allow only bicycles and other forms of non-vehicular transport to form the central SE to NW cross that connects the West End to the downtown core and the Cambie St. Bridge and Georgia/Dunsmuir Viaducts.

Alberni St. from Chilco at Stanley Park to Burrard St. and the alleyway behind Robson and Haro St. also connect a maze of lanes and streets throughout the West End that feeds to Robson St. at Burrard.

The alleyway between Dunsmuir and Pender St also connects the Dunsmuir Viaduct to Burrard St. and further to Coal Harbor via Melville and Alberni St.

Helmcken St. from Mainland to Burrard St. is another example of a quieter street that connects Yaletown to the West End and could be converted to connect a downtown grid of dedicated bicycle lanes.

Alleys already exist and are underused. Does it make sense to ignore them?

Unfortunately, condo developers are using the downtown alleyways as driveways. There are often traffic jams in these alleyways now, mainly between Davie and Robson, and moreso the closer you get to Yaletown.

i think there are totally ways to work around clutter and speed bumps, and that it could be a really efficient idea :)

I always wondered why do they not put more bike routes on side streets like they did on Ontario st. Putting bike routes on major traffic routes does not seem very safe except for the most experienced riders who can get out of the way quickly if needed.

Most alley ways are not well maintained and have speed bumps and no traffic signage.

Alley ways are often cluttered, meandering routes frequented by large service vehicles and many of them terminate in a few blocks or less. Not exactly an attractive alternative.

Great idea!