Twenty-six communities throughout B.C. will receive $9.25 million in funding for projects to expand and build cycling lanes, trails and paths for cyclists and pedestrians, announced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“Communities are embracing the opportunity to increase their cycling infrastructure, demonstrated by this year’s list of projects receiving BikeBC funding,” said Stone. “From Fort St. John to Tofino, municipalities took advantage of the earlier application deadline for this year’s program, and we’re now seeing the projects that will provide more opportunities for British Columbians and tourists to cycle for commuting, recreation and tourism.”

BikeBC is the Province’s cost-sharing program that helps communities build cycling projects that attract and support commuter and tourism cyclists. Through B.C. on the Move, the Province’s 10-year transportation plan, the ministry has now committed more than $20 million over three years to the BikeBC program.

“One of the many diverse projects this year is the Pemberton-Mount Currie Commuter Friendship Trail Bridge,” added Stone. “This project is a partnership between the Province, the Village of Pemberton, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and the Lil'wat Nation, and will provide a safe and environmentally friendly connection between the two communities.”

Since 2001, the Government of British Columbia has invested more than $230 million in cycling grants and infrastructure projects throughout the province. Last year, the BikeBC program committed $6.5 million for 25 projects in 23 communities.

Cycling contributes to increased physical activity and helps reduce greenhouse gases. The 26 projects that received funding this year cover a range of initiatives, including bike lanes, multi-use trails and bridges, and improvements to roads and highways to increase the safety of cyclists.

Over the next three years the ministry and its partners are investing over $4.6 billion in priority transportation investments as part of B.C. on the Move.

Learn More:

For more information about cycling funding in B.C., visit: www.gov.bc.ca/cyclingfunding

A backgrounder follows.