NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010TRAN0048-000903 July 30, 2010

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Ministry of Health Services

 

CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDS HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

 

VICTORIA – The Province is supporting improvements to local cycling infrastructure by making $500,000 in funding available to B.C. communities through the BikeBC Cycling Infrastructure Partnerships Program, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond and Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.

 

“This funding is helping to support healthier communities by building new infrastructure that will encourage cycling,” said Bond. “In addition to the personal health benefits of cycling, these improvements to our bike networks improve a community’s liveability by reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.”

 

The BikeBC Cycling Infrastructure Partnerships Program is a cost-sharing program with local governments, with provincial funding available to match municipal dollars for the construction of new cycling infrastructure.

 

“As an avid cyclist, I recognize the importance of investing in cycling infrastructure and we are pleased to support the BikeBC program in providing cyclists in communities across B.C. with access to dedicated bike paths and trails,” said Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon. “Bike BC supports our commitment to improving the health of British Columbians by ensuring the tools are in place to encourage active communities and increased physical activity levels.”

 

Funding of up to $100,000 is available to individual municipalities for a wide range of projects, such as bike lanes, separated bike paths and multi-use trails. As part of the selection criteria, applicants must describe how a project will contribute to increased physical activity as part of a municipality’s active community plan. The deadline for applications is Sept. 1, 2010. Applications and program details at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC/CIPP.html

 

The Province has invested $128 million in cycling infrastructure since 2001. This investment has created over 200 kilometres of new bicycles lanes and trails throughout the province in over 50 different communities – more than the distance between Vancouver and Hope. Part of this investment is $50 million in cycling infrastructure as part of the Gateway Program – the largest cycling investment in B.C.'s history.

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Media Contact:

Jeff Knight Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 250 356-7707

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