Street Types

These are streets where most (if not all) vehicles will continue to be able to operate unrestricted at all times of day (unless there is a special event). These typically are routes that offer important regional connections. 

However, even though vehicular access is preserved on these streets, that does not mean they will not be improved. These streets will still be Complete Streets. Where possible the pedestrian experience along these streets should be enhanced by reducing the number of lanes and reducing speeds. The addition of separated bike lanes should also be considered.

Transit Mall streets are meant for pedestrians, cyclists and transit vehicles. These streets will convey only transit vehicles and possibly taxis and rideshare vehicles. Where needed, transit malls may provide limited access to private vehicles (e.g. for parking garage access).

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To be truly successful, transit malls will need to be designed carefully. It is recommended that the paving be redesigned to indicate that is a space for slow vehicle movement. The spaces for transit vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians should be delineated using different paving stones and bollards instead of steep curbs.

Limited Access streets are streets where vehicles that need to access an area are permitted. (General traffic is not permitted.) For example, this may be to access a commercial or residential parkade. Vehicles travelling on these streets need a reason for being there. Access for those with special needs would be permitted on these streets.

Like Transit Malls, Limited Access streets should be redesigned making it clear that vehicles travelling on these streets are guests, pedestrians and cyclists come first and that they must travel at slow speeds. Limited Access streets should also employ traffic calming measures such as one-way sections and pocket parks.

Fully Pedestrian areas are street sections where there is no public vehicular access. The only vehicular access permitted is for delivery vehicles at very specific hours (usually early morning) and emergency vehicles.

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Destination streets (such as Robson Street east of Burrard) should be given full pedestrian treatment. These are areas that can be fully repurposed for better uses, such as pocket parks, public art, fountains and even small buildings. These are the spaces that can be fully reclaimed for the people.