Kits Beach bike lane plan blasted by angry residents

Tempers flared during a Vancouver Park Board meeting on Monday night as angry Kitsilano residents aired their concerns about plans to build a recreational bike path through Kits Beach Park.

The bike path has already been approved in principle by the Vision Vancouver-dominated board.

But two opposition NPA commissioners felt the path was rammed though without proper consultation and were calling for the creation of an advisory committee that would have the power to veto and reverse park board decisions.

Park board vice chair Aaron Jasper wasn't having any of it.

"What we have before us gives too much teeth to what is supposed to be an advisory group," said Jasper.

"There is no advisory group within the City of Vancouver that has a veto power over the City of Vancouver's decisions or policies. So it's a bit odd that they would prescribe a veto power to this advisory group."

Several hours of raucous debate followed.

"I use the roads when I cycle and they're perfectly safe," one public speaker told the meeting.

"If you don't want the bike path in your park, are you willing to reallocate space off your roads?" questioned another.

But in the end, the motion to give the local advisory committee veto power was defeated four to two along party lines.

A final decision on the design of the route is expected in January.