The cycling community on Vancouver Island is receiving a major boost from the province – about $2.7 million will go towards seven new cycling projects.
The BikeBC funding includes expanding and building 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,” B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Todd Stone, said.
BikeBC is a cost-sharing program that assists communities across the province with cycling initiatives. The new funding is part of ‘B.C. on the Move,’ the government’s 10-year transportation plan.
The ministry has committed $18 million over three years to cost-share with municipalities on projects like bike trails, pedestrian bridges, multi-use paths and shoulder bikeways.
“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,” said Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum.
The seven projects on the island that will receive BikeBC funding include:
- Victoria: Pandora two-way protected bicycle facility - $890,492
- Saanich: Landsdown bike lanes - $450,000
- Langford: Dunford Avenue separated bike lanes - $203,050
- 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
