Twenty communities throughout British Columbia received more than $7.36 million in BikeBC funding this year to expand and build cycling lanes, trails and paths for B.C families, contribute to increased physical activity and help reduce greenhouse gases.

This year's 21 projects cover a range of initiatives, including a new cycling track in Maple Ridge, new bike lanes in Terrace, intersection improvements to the E&N Rail Trail in Esquimalt, the UBC-Okanagan Connector Phase 2 Rails with Trails and new bike lanes on Ladner Trunk Road in Delta.

BikeBC is a cost-sharing program between the government of B.C. and local governments. This year's investment will help create more than $14.5 million in cycling infrastructure.

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

Quote:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak:

"This funding will improve the quality of life for residents living in communities throughout the province. These projects will create a cleaner environment by providing alternative transportation options and will build a legacy of good health for generations to come."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has committed over $148 million in cycling infrastructure, creating new bicycle lanes and trails in over 75 communities.

• Last year, the B.C. government committed $7.25 million in BikeBC funding throughout the province.

• 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

Media Contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER

21 projects boost B.C. cycling infrastructure

Community - Project Title: Grant Amount

Capital Regional District - E&N Rail Trail - intersection improvements: $765,216

Chilliwack - Boundary Road Shoulder Bike Way: $26,323

Comox - Anderton Road Bike Lanes: $12,500

Coquitlam - Coquitlam Fraser Greenway, Separated Bike Path: $175,000

Courtenay - Fitzgerald Avenue Bike Lanes: $44,161

Delta - Ladner Trunk Road Bike Lanes: $176,050

Kelowna - UBC Okanagan Connector Phase 2 Rails with Trails: $1,520,384

Langley Township - Allard Crescent Shoulder Bikeway: $100,000

Maple Ridge - Lougheed Highway Multi-Use Cycle Track: $488,956

North Vancouver - North Shore Spirit Trail: $100,000

North Vancouver District - Main/Barrow Bike Route: $69,375

North Vancouver District - Mount Seymour Parkway Bike Lanes: $480,900

Pitt Meadows - Kennedy Road Multi-Use Pathway: $100,000

Port Moody - Moody St Overpass Cantilevered Bike/Pedestrian facility: $652,625

Prince George Otway - Miworth Trail Planning study: $15,000

Richmond - Railway Avenue Greenway, Separated Path from Granville St to Garry St: $449,400

Rossland - Upper Columbia Multi Use Trails: $25,000

Surrey - Port Mann to City Centre Neighbourhood Bike Route: $1,159,870

Terrace - Kenney Street Bike Lanes: $41,300

Vancouver - Hastings Park Multiple Greenways and Separated Paths: $905,424

Johnson Street, Begbie Street and Shelbourne Street Buffered Bike Lanes: $47,964

Media Contact:

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