Frances Union Bicycle Street

About This Project

As part of a larger, multi-corridor project to improve connectivity between the city of Vancouver and Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain, the Frances Union Bicycle Street (FUB) draws on international best-practices to create a comfortable and safe bikeway for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

ISL led the project from early concepts and community engagement through to construction, drawing on Dutch-inspired design principles to shape a street that genuinely prioritizes cyclists’ safety and accessibility. Raised crossings, signal-controlled intersections, traffic diverters and distinctive pavement markings work together to slow turning vehicles, discourage cut-through traffic and make every crossing feel intentional and safe. Speeds are better aligned between people cycling and driving, aggressive passing has been reduced and wayfinding improvements help cyclists navigate with confidence — directly supporting the City of Burnaby’s goals for a cycling network that is attractive, comfortable and resilient for the long term.

The project is enhancing the comfort of people cycling along the corridor, assigning greater priority, making crossings safer, and reducing the potential for conflict through speed and volume management.

• Planned and designed a 12 km all-ages-and-abilities (AAA) cycling network connecting SFU to the Burnaby–Vancouver border
• Introduced Burnaby’s first protected intersections, supporting safe and intuitive two-stage bicycle turns
• Designed wide protected bike lanes on steep grades to accommodate varying cycling speeds and improve downhill safety