VANCOUVER, B.C. — Green Councillor Pete Fry is welcoming unanimous support at Council’s Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities to move Vancouver toward safer, slower residential streets, including bringing forward recommendations to reduce speed limits to 30 km/h on local streets in residential areas without a centre line, and exploring additional tools to calm traffic on local bikeways.

“Safer speeds save lives and they make it easier for people to walk, bike, roll, and use micromobility comfortably in their own neighbourhoods,” said Councillor Fry. “This is a practical next step to align our streets with Vision Zero and the reality that more Vancouverites are choosing active transportation.”

Clarifying the Path to 30 km/h Neighbourhood Streets

As approved, the motion directs staff to bring forward recommendations, including but not limited to a City by-law, to reduce speeds to 30 km/h on local residential streets without a centre line, and to report back on implementation options and phasing.

The motion also asks staff to clarify interpretation of Motor Vehicle Act signage requirements, noting that previous assumptions about needing signs on every block may not reflect the Province’s guidance, and to examine lessons from other municipalities that have moved to neighbourhood-wide 30 km/h limits.

Reducing Shortcuts and Calming Traffic on Local Bikeways

In addition to speed limits, the motion directs engineering staff to explore ways to reduce the speed of motor vehicle traffic on designated local street bikeways by using modal filters and other traffic calming tools, while ensuring measures do not compromise emergency vehicle access, HandyDART access, or seniors and accessibility access.

Next Steps

With unanimous committee support, staff will now be tasked with returning to Council with recommendations on:

• a 30 km/h approach for local residential streets (including potential by-law changes),
• signage interpretation and rollout options, and
• funding and partnership opportunities to support implementation