The Province has doubled this year's investment in BikeBC, with $7.25 million to expand and build cycling lanes, trails and paths for B.C. families and communities.

BikeBC is a 50/50 cost-sharing program between the Province and local governments. This year's investment of $7.25 million by the Province will help create more than $14.5 million in cycling infrastructure. Since 2008, the Province has committed over $11.9 million in BikeBC funding throughout B.C.

$4 million of this funding is available to Lower Mainland communities interested in linking their cycling paths and lanes to the Gateway Program cycling network. $2.75 million is available to help B.C. communities complete key pieces in their existing cycling networks through the Provincial Cycling Investment Program (PCIP). Local governments interested in these programs should contact the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure at: motcycling@gov.bc.ca

In addition, $500,000 is available to help B.C. communities with smaller scale projects, such as bike lanes and paths through the Cycling Infrastructure Partnerships Program (CIPP). Local governments interested in this program should apply online at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC/CIPP.html

To be considered for funding, local governments must describe how the project benefits the community, contributes to increased physical activity and healthy living, as part of their municipality's active community plans.

Cycling is a key component of the Province's strategy for encouraging healthy living and addressing climate change, in conjunction with the Climate Action Plan and the Provincial Transit Plan.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"Our government is committed to working with local governments to support healthy families and communities. BikeBC has proven to be a very successful program, so this year we doubled our funding contribution to encourage healthy living and active transportation options."

Minister of Environment Terry Lake -

"Biking to work helps the environment, saves people money and it's a great way to get exercise. Leaving your car at home can save you an estimated $2,400 annually, so consider making every week Bike to Work Week."

BC Cycling Coalition president Richard Campbell -

"This increased investment will allow more people of all ages to choose cycling as a healthy form of transportation, recreation and sport in communities around BC. The BikeBC funding along with the Velo-city Global conference in late June will further enhance B.C.'s position as a North American cycling leader."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has committed over $148 million in cycling infrastructure, creating new bicycle lanes and trails in over 75 communities.
• The BikeBC program is comprised of three parts - Cycling Infrastructure Partnerships Program, Provincial Cycling Investment Program and Gateway Program Cycling.
• Last year the Province committed $3.75 million in BikeBC funding throughout B.C.
• Cycling 10 kilometres to and from work every day would reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by 15,000 kg a year.
• Cycling eight kilometres is equal to 30 minutes of moderate exercise.

Learn More:

• For more information about Bike BC, visit: www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC
• For more information about Bike Safety, visit: bikesafety.caa.ca/index.php
• For more information about Bike to Work, visit: www.biketowork.ca
• For tips and more ideas on how to get healthy, visit the Healthy Families BC website at: www.HealthyFamiliesBC.ca
• For information about cycling benefits, visit: www.livesmartbc.ca/transportation/cycle
• For more information about the Gateway program, visit: www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241