How to Explore Vancouver By Bike Share

October 23, 2023
TE
ByTaryn Eyton
3 min read

Exploring Vancouver on two wheels is easy (and environmentally-friendly) thanks to its bike sharing program. We’ve got the details on how the system works and the best places to ride.

How it Works

Thanks to the Mobi bike share program, there are bikes waiting to be ridden at docking stations around the heart of Vancouver. They have both classic bikes and e-bikes and they come with free helmets (which are required under British Columbia law).

You can use the Mobi by Shaw Go app to create an account. Then, use the app to unlock any available bike. Once you are done riding, you can return it to any station.

You can pay per ride or buy a pass for 24 hours, 30 days, or a whole year. The longer your pass, the cheaper the ride. And of course, classic bikes cost less than e-bikes. Another important thing to keep in mind if you buy a pass is that rides up to 30 minutes on classic bikes are included while rides over 30 minutes incur an extra per-minute charge. That means that you can save some money by returning your bike to a docking station before the 30 minutes are up, and then grabbing a new one to keep on riding! See the Mobi website or Mobi app for full pricing details.

Check out our guide to cycling in Vancouver for riding tips.

Where to Ride

Mobi has bike docking stations all over Vancouver. You can see them all in the Mobi app or on this map. Here are our favourite places around Vancouver to explore by bike share:

Stanley Park Seawall: This 10 km loop around Stanley Park is a favourite amongst both locals and visitors for its incredible ocean and city views. With docking stations along the way at the Stanley Park totem poles, Third Beach, and Second Beach, it’s easy to take a break to soak up the scenery.

False Creek: Take a spin along the False Creek Seawall to hit up population attractions like Yaletown, Science World, the Olympic Village, and Granville Island. There are dozens of docking stations along the route.

Kitsilano and Jericho Beaches: Follow bike lanes along the oceanfront through Vanier Park to Kitsilano Beach, then continue along Point Grey Road to Jericho Beach. Stop to enjoy the mountain views.

Queen Elizabeth Park: Head to Vancouver’s highest point to wander through the gardens and enjoy the panoramic views. There are docking stations just outside the park. Tip: Consider an e-bike for this trip as it’s uphill!

Commercial Drive: Known as Little Italy, Commercial Drive is an eclectic neighbourhood of cafes, boutiques, and artist studios. Dock your bike and take time to wander.

More Bike Share Networks Near Vancouver

Some of Vancouver’s surrounding cities also have their own bike share networks. In North Vancouver, you can use the Lime e-bike share to explore the Lonsdale Quay and Shipyards area. At the University of British Columbia, the Hopr bike share lets you roam the campus. And in Richmond, south of Vancouver, you can use Lime e-bikes and e-scooters to ride around the city.

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