KELOWNA – Cyclists in Kelowna will benefit from over $2.4 million in Bike BC
funding toward a new cycling trail and improved cycling lanes, Transportation and
Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.
“Improvements to cycling paths in Kelowna will encourage
more people to get out of their cars and onto their bikes,” Falcon said.
“Cycling is a great option for people who want to stay healthy, save money and
reduce their impact on the environment.”
The Province is partnering with the
City of Kelowna
to complete the northernmost section of the Kelowna Rails with Trails Project.
Through Bike BC, the Province will contribute up to $2
million toward design and construction of a 1.8-kilometre multi-use pathway
from Sexsmith Road
to the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) campus.
“Rails with Trails is an important
cycling commuter route for Kelowna,
connecting neighbourhoods together,” said Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “This
support from the Province brings us one step closer to our vision of a
continuous multi-use pathway from downtown to UBCO.”
“Local cycling is getting a big
boost today,” said Grant Rice of the Kelowna Area Cycling Coalition. “Safe
cycling options will inspire more students and workers to cycle and
improve population health, and we hope for their continued integration into
regional and provincial transportation plans.”
Through Bike
BC, the City of Kelowna
will also receive over $475,000 toward improvements to two other cycling
corridors in Glenmore and South Kelowna.
Bike BC is
the Province’s new three-year, $31-million program for cycling infrastructure.
Through Bike BC, the Province will partner with
communities to fund a variety of cycling projects, including the creation of
safe and high-quality cycling corridors, improvements to existing cycling
infrastructure and other equipment that makes cycling a safer and more
convenient option for travellers.
Cycling is a key component of the
Province’s strategy for addressing climate change, including the Climate Action
Plan and the Provincial Transit Plan, and its support for healthy living.
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