From April 8 to June 22 in 2020, Park Drive was closed to all vehicles as a response to COVID-19, increasing capacity for physical distancing on the Seawall. Cycling volume increased by 180% compared to the same time period in 2019. Park Drive was reopened to one lane of vehicle traffic on June 22, 2020. Bicycle ridership remained high through the park from that date to the removal of the temporary bicycle lane in late September, despite a massive drop in tourism to Vancouver in that same time frame.

We know many people who live in Vancouver do not have access to private outdoor space such as a backyard or patio, so rely on Stanley Park and the Seawall for outdoor recreation. When so many are experiencing social isolation and anxiety, supporting healthy and safe access to public outdoors space is very important to our community.

As Greens we encourage active transportation wherever we can. In November, Vancouver City Council approved the Climate Emergency Action Plan, which included a target that two-thirds of trips in Vancouver to be by active transportation and transit and to encourage more walking, biking and transit use. This motion helps explore ways to achieve that goal.