VANCOUVER, B.C. — Vancouver City Council has unanimously approved a motion brought forward by Councillor Pete Fry to create a regularized, proactive program for maintaining road markings across the city, recognizing their critical role in keeping people safe on Vancouver’s streets.

The motion directs City staff to report back with a comprehensive road marking maintenance plan that considers wear and tear, safety priorities, renewal cycles, and cost efficiencies. Council also requested additional information to inform a potential dedicated budget line item for road marking maintenance beginning in the 2024 budget and continuing on an ongoing basis.

“Road paint might not sound glamorous, but it’s absolutely fundamental to street safety,” said Councillor Pete Fry. “Faded crosswalks, bike lanes, and lane markings create real risks, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and people using mobility devices, particularly in rain or low-light conditions. This motion is about moving from reactive fixes to a proactive safety-first approach.”

Fry highlighted that while Vancouver is responsible for maintaining road markings, the City currently repaints them on an ad hoc basis rather than through a scheduled program, despite growing traffic volumes, climate impacts, and expanded active transportation infrastructure.

The motion aligns with Vision Zero principles, which emphasize quick-build, low-cost safety improvements that can significantly reduce collisions and serious injuries. Road markings are a foundational element of traffic safety, helping guide drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, reduce confusion, and clearly define shared spaces.

The motion passed unanimously at the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities, underscoring broad Council support for improving street safety through better basic infrastructure maintenance.

“This is about doing the basics well,” Fry added. “Clear, visible road markings save lives and they should be treated as essential public safety infrastructure, not an afterthought.”

Council will now await a staff report outlining options for a regularized maintenance program and associated budget considerations.