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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VANCOUVER
– Cycling infrastructure projects in
a dozen communities around the province will receive $2 million in funding to
create more options for commuting and recreational cycling, Premier Gordon
Campbell announced today.
“We
are committed to making the largest investment in cycling infrastructure in
B.C.’s history,” said Campbell. “Today’s announcement, along with the plans for
$50 million in cycling investment as part of the Gateway Program, will
encourage more use of cycling for commuting and for recreation. And that means
we will be one step closer to our ActNow BC goal of becoming the North American
leader in healthy living and physical fitness, and the healthiest jurisdiction
to ever host the Olympics.”
This
year, the Ministry of Transportation will provide funding for 18 projects that
will add more than 22 km of new bike lanes and trails. Communities receiving
funding this year include Vancouver, Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, Victoria,
Saanich, Courtenay, Kelowna, Vernon, Coldstream, Quesnel and Prince George.
The
funding is distributed through the Cycling Infrastructure Partnerships Program
(CIPP). In total, the ministry has spent nearly $5.5 million through CIPP,
creating approximately 75 km of new bike lanes around the province since the
program began three years ago.
“We
are working to ensure that commuters have more options within our
transportation system,” said Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. “Cycling is
not only great exercise, it offers a viable commuting alternative that will
help ease congestion, improve the environment and encourage healthy living.”
Communities
cost-share their projects 50-50 through CIPP and can further leverage projects
with other partnerships. The initiative is part of a proactive, collaborative
approach between governments that will help British Columbia achieve
sustainability in the province's health care system and the environment.
ActNow BC is the cross government, partnership-based health promotion
strategy that is helping British Columbians improve their quality of life by
making healthier lifestyle decisions to live tobacco-free, eat more nutritious
foods, be more physically active and make healthy choices during pregnancy.
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218 |
Communications Director Ministry of Transportation 250 387-7787 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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