It’s time to celebrate!
If you’re in Victoria, you can roll down Pandora Avenue again this weekend. Why? To mark nine years since Victoria opened its first two-way protected bike lane. Given all the stuff going on across Canada with bike lanes, it’s definitely a reason to celebrate. Doesn’t matter which province you’re in, it seems like there are movements to kibosh present or future bike lanes. And as cyclists, we know how damn important separated bike lanes are. Sure, paint is better than nothing…but as we all know, it’s ain’t infrastructure.
The deets
The anniversary ride is set for Sunday. You’re invited to follow the Pandora Street bike-and-roll lane to Centennial Square between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.. Organizers will have cake (mmmm..cake), coffee and a chance to connect.
Bishop’s Family Cycles is sponsoring the gathering.
The origins of the lane
When the lane first opened in 2017, it was a starting point. It was the first stretch built to the all ages and abilities (AAA) standard. Since then, the network has expanded to roughly 30 km across the city, linking neighbourhoods with routes designed to feel safer and more accessible.
Last year’s anniversary drew a crowd to the same corridor, with riders reflecting on how much the infrastructure has changed the experience of getting around Victoria. For some, it’s made everyday riding, especially with family, far more realistic. And doable. Which is huge for folks commuting to work or school.
This year’s event keeps things simple: a short ride, a stop in the square, and a moment to recognize how far the network has come.
Organizers are also encouraging riders to share photos from Pandora Street and send a note of thanks to city staff and council, highlighting the role the lane has played over nearly a decade.
At a time when some cities are scaling back space for bikes, Victoria’s network continues to grow. Sunday’s ride is as much about that direction as it is about the anniversary itself.