The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure just revealed its proposed plan to improve the safety of people cycling and walking along the Stanley Park Causeway.
The plan looks good in general and will be a big improvement over the current narrow sidewalks. While a wider path on the west side would be better, it would have impacted more trees.
Still, there are only two passing areas in the stretch south of the Park Drive exist. Another passing zone would improve safety and impact relatively few trees. As well, the proposed fence does have poles that are exposed. If a person cycling hits those at 50kph, the average downhill speed, a serious injury or fatality is likely. While there is a rub rail at the top, it will not prevent children or shorter adults from hitting the poles. As well, if someone sides on ice or leaves, they also could hit the poles at high speeds. At a minimum, the cables should be installed on the inside providing some protection from the poles. Also worth considering at fabrics designed to protect motorcyclists from hitting fence poles that would also protect cyclists.
As these changes involve Stanley Park, please email Vancouver Park Board PBcommissioners
@vancouver.ca supporting these badly needed safety improvements.
More information and a feedback form here.
Richard Campbell 
I’m not so sure about requiring pedestrians on the west side of the causeway to cross to the east side. Topography’s a serious issue at the Lions Gate Bridge, and the connection is indirect. Perhaps more thought needs to be given to also improving pedestrian connections through the west side of the park.
Agreed. A good idea to encourage Park Board to look at better walking connections on the west side and the east side for that matter.