Communities on Vancouver Island will receive almost $2.7 million in BikeBC funding this year for seven cycling infrastructure projects to expand and build cycling lanes, trails and paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

“We always have a lot of interest from municipalities for funding support to expand their cycling infrastructure, and this year was no exception,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “Local governments in every region of Vancouver Island want to provide residents and visitors more opportunities to cycle for commuting, recreation and tourism and our BikeBC program helps them do that.”

(flickr.com)

Seven projects on Vancouver Island will receive BikeBC funding:

• Capital Regional District: E&N Rail Trail, Maplebank Road to Hallowell Road – $1 million
• Langford: Dunford Avenue separated bike lanes – $203,050
• Saanich: Lansdowne bike lanes – $450,000
• Victoria: Pandora two-way protected bicycle facility – $890,492
• Nanaimo: Buttertubs Drive multi-use path – $64,025
• Port Alberni: Port Alberni bike route improvements – $50,875
• Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District: Cherry Creek cycling and walking trail – $38,549

“As a proponent of physical activity and healthy living, this commitment by our government for increased cycling infrastructure funding is fantastic,” said MLA for Parksville-Qualicum Michelle Stilwell. “Vancouver Island is a prime location for using cycling as an alternative transportation option, and I see more and more British Columbians and tourists taking advantage of the multitude of cycling paths and trails we have to offer.”

BikeBC is the Province’s cost-sharing program that helps communities build cycling projects that attract and support commuter and tourism cyclists. The funding is part of B.C. on the Move, the government’s 10-year transportation plan. The ministry committed to $18 million over three years to cost-share with municipalities on projects like bike trails, pedestrian bridges, multi-use paths and shoulder bikeways.

“This funding support through the BikeBC program makes a big difference to communities planning their cycling projects,” said MLA for Comox Valley Don McRae. “During the B.C. on the Move consultations last year, increased cycling infrastructure was a popular topic, so it’s great to see the tangible results of this significant funding commitment.”

Since 2001, the Government of B.C. has invested more than $220 million in cycling grants and infrastructure across the province.

Cycling contributes to increased physical activity and helps reduce greenhouse gases. Projects receiving funding this year cover a range of initiatives, including bike lanes, multi-use trails and improvements to roads and highways to allow better shared use for cyclists.

Through B.C. on the Move, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will invest almost $2.7 billion over the next three years to improve British Columbia’s transportation network.

(flickr.com)

Learn More:

For more information about Bike BC, visit: www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC