What would increase bicycle commuting in Metro Vancouver?

Bike commuting has seen a huge increase in North America, but still only a small fraction of people cycle to work about 1.8 per cent in the Vancouver metropolitanarea, according to the2011 National Household Survey.

Now that Bike to Work Week has wrapped up, On The Coast is wondering: How could Metro Vancouver get more commuters on their bikes?

Ralph Buehler,an associate professor of urban planning at Virginia Tech, has studied trends in cycling in North America and around the world.He says that despite big gains in the past two decades, the low-modal-share picture is similar in cities across North America.

In Portland, the proportionof commuters using bicycles went from about oneto sixper cent since the 1990s, during which timeSeattle also saw a jump.Yet none of the West Coast adoption rates quite matchup to the cyclingnumbers already seenin European cities like Amsterdam or Copenhagen, where approximately 40 per cent of people cycle to work.

So what does MetroVancouverneed to do if it wants tobreak away from the North American pack?

Buehlerspoke with CBC's On the Coast abouta fewways that have been shown toseriously boost the numbers of people using bicycles to get around.

1) Train forcyclingfrom an early age

In bike-friendly countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands,schoolsprovide bicycle training to children from grades 2 to4.

The kidslearn about bicycling at an early age and actually practise in the schoolyard under supervision. After they've mastered the rules, they build confidence bygoing cycling in groups on real roads.

2) Train cyclists and motorists toco-exist

In those northern European countries, motorists also receive education and training on how to behave withcyclistson the road.

This may help driversbecome more aware of cyclists and avoid opening car doors on or cutting off people who are riding their bikes on the road.

3) Buildseparate infrastructure for cyclists

Buehler says cities that have more separated bike lanes and networks for safe riding are likely to see greater cycling adoption rates.

The key is to put separated lanes alongbusy traffic arteries:He says this will help to address the fears of people who are more risk-averse, and whodon't want to ride with fast-moving traffic.

Surveys haveshown that many older people and women in particulardon't cycle because they feel the traffic on the roadsaround them is too dangerous.

Buehlersayscreating designated bike pathways can addressboth the perceived and actual risks of cycling on the road.

4) Hold educational events

Events such as Bike to Work Weekand regular closures of roads to cyclists (such as the weeklyCiclova in Bogota, Colombia) can promote cycling and help people feel more comfortable on their bikes as they become more aware of bike routes andfacilities available to cyclists.

Buehler also says studies have shownthat children who cycle to school seem to be more attentive in class.Sonot only does cycling help people stay physically healthy and fit, it mayalso begood for your brain!