$50 Million to Enhance Active Transportation Across British Columbia

The unveiling of the 2024 provincial budget brought promising developments for the cycling community across British Columbia. The Province announced an infusion of $50 million in additional funding for active transportation capital projects over the next three years. This substantial allocation supplements the previous $100 million designated in 2023, underscoring a commitment to bolstering active transportation networks.The newly allocated funds are slated to address critical gaps in the active transportation infrastructure by focusing on the construction of new bike lanes and implementing measures to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the province. Additionally, the government has pledged $20 million towards the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, aimed at further fostering the development of cycling and walking infrastructure.

Laura Jane, the Executive Director of HUB Cycling, expressed enthusiasm over the increased government support, emphasizing the significant returns such investments yield.

“The government’s heightened commitment to active transportation in this year’s budget is a welcomed move,” Jane says. “Increased cycling for transportation not only promotes better health outcomes but also contributes to mitigating air pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, alleviating congestion, and minimizing road crashes.”

According to HUB, statistics are continuing to reveal a growing inclination towards active transportation alternatives, with 69% of individuals in the province opting for drives shorter than five kilometers for daily commutes. In contrast, the city of Vancouver, which has diligently invested in active transportation initiatives over the past 15 years, boasts a lower percentage, with only 41% of residents opting for short-distance drives.

A cyclist on the seawall in Stanley Park rides past downtown Vancouver.

Many local governments aspire to emulate Vancouver’s success and are advocating for increased investment in active transportation infrastructure.

Ironically, the municipal government in Vancouver has shown little inclination to continue the city’s tradition as a great bicycle-friendly city despite the incredible benefits that come with the designation. Instead, the city paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to yank a popular separated bike lane from Stanley Park and canceled planned bike lanes along Broadway Avenue.

While the 2024 budget earmarks $20 million for the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, stakeholders argue that it falls short of meeting the burgeoning demands of municipalities across the province. Notably, in the previous fiscal year 2023/24, the cost-sharing program allocation was doubled to $40 million to accommodate the surging interest in active transportation initiatives.

“More and more local authorities recognize the benefits of fostering bikeable and walkable communities,” Jane says. “It is imperative for the Province to provide sufficient support to meet these demands.”

HUB Cycling is a vital organization that remains committed to collaborating with the government to advocate for increased investments in active transportation infrastructure.