Rossland is one of 23 BC communities that will benefit from BikeBC funding.
The provincial cost-sharing program will provide $6.5 million to 25 projects that will “attract and support commuter and tourism cyclists” in the 23 communities. Rossland will receive $226,026 toward covering a large portion of the cost for the separated bike lane and multi-use pathway planned for Washington St. The two-way bike lane will run from First Ave. to Rossland Summit School at Jubilee St. and the multi-use pathway will run from Jubilee St. to Kirkup Ave.
The project has also received $40,300 from an ICBC road improvement grant.
“ICBC did what’s called a safety audit on our Washington St. design. So they looked at what it looked like [before], and what we were designing to try to improve the safety on that route, and they recommend some things or they approve of some things that we’ve suggested. Then if we follow their suggestions we get this grant,” explains Stacey Lightbourne, planner and GIS technician for the City of Rossland.
The bike lane and pathway will go in around the same time Washington St. and Plewman Way are paved, after all the underground work has been completed. The projected completion date for the Washington Street Renewal Project is sometime in October.
This is not the first time the City of Rossland has received BikeBC funding. Many of the connector trails in town were also funded through the program.
BikeBC funding is part of BC on the Move, the government’s 10-year transportation plan. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has committed to $18 million over three years to cost-share with municipalities on relevant projects, such as bike lanes and trails, pedestrian bridges and multi-use pathways.
“The variety of cycling infrastructure projects chosen for funding through our BikeBC program is really impressive,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a press release regarding the latest projects to be funded. “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.”
For more information about BikeBC, visit th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC.