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British Columbia’s ministry of transportation announces $6 million for bike infrastructure

The government of British Columbia will continue to support the development of cycling infrastructure in the province this year, it was announced.

February 12, 2016
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By Paul Krueger (Flickr: Dunsmuir Separated Bike Lanes 103) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Paul Krueger (Flickr: Dunsmuir Separated Bike Lanes 103) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The government of British Columbia will continue to support the development of cycling infrastructure in the province this year, it was announced—and it’s part of an ongoing plan to make B.C. more progressive when it comes to transportation. The province will provide local communities with $6 million in BikeBC funding.

The funds, the government detailed, are earmarked for the enhancing and expansion of bike lanes, multi-use paths and trails, and cycling—as well as pedestrian—bridges. Their allocation is in keeping with B.C.’s commitment to develop transportation over the next ten years, a plan called B.C. on the Move. As part of that broader initiative, BikeBC is a cost-sharing program that helps communities develop infrastructure for cycling—whether for recreation, tourism, or the essential needs of commuting. Over three years, the B.C. government has committed $18 million, with $6.4 million in 2015 helping to build 26 projects in 25 communities.

For communities looking for such funding, the time to apply is now, said minister of transportation and infrastructure Todd Stone.

“Applications for this year’s BikeBC funding are now open” he said. “Local governments across the province are incorporating more cycling infrastructure into their community plans, and by doubling our funding in the BikeBC program, we’re enabling municipalities of all sizes to encourage and promote active lifestyles and viable transportation options for B.C. families.”

Eligibility involves demonstrating how proposed projects could benefit communities, the ministry of transportation specified, and how they might contribute to increased physical activity and healthy living. Another matter taken into consideration by the ministry, of course, is whether or not such a project can increase cycling tourism.

The deadline for applications is April 8, 2016, and can be submitted online at www.gov.bc.ca/cyclingfunding.