Local residents and visitors will have better options for biking around Vancouver Island with the rollout of nine cost-sharing cycling infrastructure projects through the BikeBC program.

“Cycling is great for your health, your wallet and the environment,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “It’s an excellent way to stay connected to your community. Our government will continue to work with regional, local and Indigenous governments to build safe infrastructure that supports active transportation.”

BikeBC grants provide communities with financial support to create new cycling infrastructure and make improvements to existing transportation networks, making local transportation safer, greener and more accessible. These projects promote cycling to work, school and errands, which helps reduce traffic congestion while contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. These projects have the potential to generate tourism-related benefits based on their proximity to amenities and points of interest.

“These investments will lead us to a cleaner environment and provide affordable travel choices for people commuting to the places they work, learn, play and socialize,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “Supporting the growth of our active transportation networks will also help boost cycle tourism, which is great news for locally owned businesses and for tourists who are looking to explore our beautiful region by bike.”

As part of CleanBC, the Province's plan to set B.C. on a path to a stronger, more sustainable future, a new strategy is being developed that builds on BikeBC. The new strategy, to be unveiled in the coming weeks, will focus on making walking, cycling, scootering, skateboarding and other modes of active transportation convenient for people of all ages and abilities.

Quick Fact:

BikeBC provides grants for up to 50% of the eligible project costs and up to 75% for communities with a population under 15,000.

Learn More:

Cycling infrastructure funding:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/cycling-infrastructure-funding

A backgrounder follows.