Signage and Amenities

When riding around Richmond, the following facilities and amenities can help cyclists get around more quickly and efficiently.

Signage 

	Green bike signs along the shoulder identify roads that are part of the city's existing bike network. The signs help raise the awareness of motorists to the potential presence of cyclists. /td>
	Some streets have designated bike lanes that are reserved for the exclusive use of cyclists. Motorists must not drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane and can only cross a bike lane if the white line is broken or to turn into or out of a driveway.
	When designated bike lanes temporarily end at major intersections due to the introduction of a right-turn only lane, through cyclists may use the right-turn lane to proceed through the intersection.
	The Share The Road sign is used on bike routes where vehicles and cyclists share the street, but there is not enough width for separate vehicle and bike lanes.
	The Single File sign is used on the approach to some intersections to indicate that cyclists and motorists should proceed in a single file as there is not enough lane width for side-by-side movement.
	The Cyclist Crossing sign alerts approaching motorists to the potential presence of cyclists crossing the street ahead.

Pavement Markings

	Designated bike lanes are reserved for the exclusive use of cyclists. Motorists must not drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane and can only cross a bike lane if the white line is broken or to turn into or out of a driveway.
	Sections of bike lanes with a green anti-skid treatment highlight potential conflict points where extra caution should be used by both motorists and cyclists.
	Shared-use markings, known as "sharrows", are used where motorists and cyclists share the street, but there is not enough width for separate vehicle and bike lanes.
	Intermittent squares known as "elephant's feet" that are parallel to crosswalk markings indicate that cyclists are permitted to ride in the crosswalk. Cyclists should slow to walking speed before entering the crosswalk.

Intersection Loop Detectors

	Traffic signals at all intersections in Richmond are triggered by square or rectangular shaped detector loops that detect a metal mass. When a metal mass passes over the loop, it disturbs a magnetic field that is detected by electronic equipment at the intersections controller cabinet.
	These loops also detect bicycles, provided bicycles are aligned along the most sensitive area of the loop - directly over a cut line. To align a bicycle on the most sensitive area, centre it over the right-most cut line parallel to the curb.
	Where an intersection loop detector is required in a bike lane, a bicycle symbol is used to more clearly identify the purpose of these markings to cyclists.

If a loop is not detecting a bicycle, contact Traffic Signals and identify the intersection, direction of travel and lane. Traffic Signals can be reached at 604-276-4031 or trafsig@richmond.ca.

Bike Racks
The City provides bike racks at City-owned facilities such as libraries, community centres and parks. For new developments, the City's Zoning Bylaw requires secure on-site bicycle parking including long-term facilities (in the form of bicycle lockers or a bike room with bike racks) and short-term facilities in the form of bike racks.

Bike Parking at Transit Stations and Exchange
Bike racks are available at all major transit stations and exchanges. TransLink also provides secure bike lockers at rapid transit stations and major bus exchanges for a small rental fee. Secure bike parkades are also available at some rapid transit stations. Visit TransLink's website for information on bike parking offered by TransLink.

Maintenance of Bike Routes
The City cleans the main roads, which includes those with bike lanes, about eight times per year with more frequent cleaning of bike lanes during the better weather months (i.e., April to October) when there are typically greater volumes of cyclists. During these months, the bike lanes are flushed about every two weeks. Crews also clean roads and bike lanes on an as-needed basis (e.g., to remove construction debris or clear broken glass from a traffic accident). 

Should an area need more frequent or immediate cleaning (due to debris or broken glass, for example), report it to the Dispatch Office at the Works Yard. Work crews will respond promptly to requests. If it a safety concern (e.g., large pieces of broken glass), crews will be sent immediately to hand sweep the area. 

Works Yard Dispatch Office: 604-244-1262 (24-hour service)