Castlegar and Rossland receive BikeBC grants
By Castlegar Source
Twenty-three communities throughout B.C., including Castlegar and Rossland, will receive more than $6.5 million in funding for 25 projects to expand and build cycling lanes, trails and paths for cyclists and pedestrians.
Castlegar will be receiving $79,679 for its Bridge to Bridge Multi-Use Pathway, while Rossland will receive $226,026 for Washington Street/Plewman Way.
“The variety of cycling infrastructure projects chosen for funding through our BikeBC program is really impressive,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “It’s evident that local governments are carefully considering which improvements will best suit both residents and visitors when planning and designing these projects. All of this year’s projects will provide more opportunities for British Columbians and tourists to cycle for commuting, recreation and tourism.”
BikeBC is the Province’s cost-sharing program that helps communities build cycling projects that attract and support commuter and tourism cyclists. The funding is part of B.C. on the Move, the government’s 10-year transportation plan. The ministry committed to $18 million over three years to cost-share with municipalities on projects like bike trails, pedestrian bridges, multi-use paths and shoulder bikeways.
Since 2001, the Government of B.C. has invested more than $220 million in cycling grants and infrastructure throughout the province.
Cycling contributes to increased physical activity and helps reduce greenhouse gases. The 25 projects that received funding this year cover a range of initiatives, including bike lanes, multi-use trails and improvements to roads and highways to allow better shared use for cyclists.
Through B.C. on the Move, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will invest almost $2.7 billion over the next three years to improve British Columbia’s transportation network.
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