Metro Vancouver's Greenway Network by E-Bike: BC Parkway & Central Valley Greenway (2026)

Metro Vancouver has one of the largest regional cycling networks in North America — over 5,000 kilometres of cycling infrastructure connecting communities across the Lower Mainland. E-bikes transform what's actually practical within this network. Routes that used to feel too long, too hilly, or too tiring become genuinely usable on a pedal-assist bike.

At the heart of the network are two TransLink-maintained greenways: the BC Parkway and the Central Valley Greenway — together covering over 45 kilometres of separated, maintained cycling path from New Westminster through Burnaby into Vancouver.

Metro Vancouver's Cycling Network by the Numbers

BC Parkway: Art, SkyTrain, and 20km of Path

Distance: ~20 km  |  Difficulty: Easy  |  Route: New Westminster → Burnaby → Science World, Vancouver

The BC Parkway follows the Expo SkyTrain line from New Westminster through Burnaby into Vancouver. Almost completely flat, and a SkyTrain station is never far away — making it one of the most flexible routes in the region.

The SkyTrain Advantage

Every station along the Expo Line is a potential start, stop, or bail-out point:

• Ride east from Vancouver, take SkyTrain back when you've had enough
• Take SkyTrain to Metrotown, ride west into Vancouver
• If the weather changes mid-ride, you're always within reach of a covered station
• Combine with the Central Valley Greenway for a longer connected loop

The Parkway is also lined with murals, mosaics, and public art installations commissioned specifically for the corridor — particularly through Burnaby, where the art is a destination in itself.

Central Valley Greenway: The Commuter Corridor

Distance: 25 km  |  Difficulty: Easy  |  Route: New Westminster → Burnaby → Vancouver

The Central Valley Greenway connects New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver via 25 kilometres of fully separated cycling corridor. Flat, well-lit, maintained year-round, and directly connected to multiple SkyTrain stations along its length.

If you live in Burnaby, New Westminster, or the Tri-Cities and work in Vancouver, this corridor combined with an e-bike is one of the most practical car-free commuting setups in Metro Vancouver. The 25km distance is achievable on a regular bike but genuinely easy on an e-bike — even for riders who don't consider themselves cyclists. A 500Wh battery handles the 50km round trip comfortably at moderate assist.

What's Coming: The Major Bikeway Network

TransLink's Transport 2050 plan proposes an 850-kilometre Major Bikeway Network (MBN) connecting Urban Centres across Metro Vancouver. Approximately 250 km were already in place as of 2021, with significant additions since. The MBN standard requires facilities comfortable for a broad range of people — separated paths, protected intersections, consistent wayfinding. Combined with e-bikes, this makes genuinely car-free daily living practical for a much larger share of Metro Vancouver residents.

Planning Tips for E-Bike Riders

• Battery range: BC Parkway (20km) + Central Valley Greenway (25km) = 45km total — within range of any modern e-bike on a single charge at moderate assist
• Charging: Bike Parkades don't currently offer e-bike charging, but SkyTrain connections mean you can always cut the ride short and charge at your destination
• Transit bail-out: A SkyTrain station is always nearby on both greenways — your best safety net if battery runs low or weather turns
• Secure parking: Both routes pass near multiple Bike Parkade stations. See our Bike Parkade guide →

Last updated: April 2026. Sources: TransLink: Cycling in Metro Vancouver