Four Tri-Cities recreational projects are set to become a reality for local bikers, hikers and scooterists of all ages.
On Thursday (Feb. 16), the B.C. government granted a total of $1.95 million to upgrade or complete a series of shared-road and pedestrian corridors, including:
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- Sunnyside Road multi User Pathway
- $500,000
- Complete multi-use paths along Sunnyside Road and East Road
Coquitlam
- Guildford Greenway (Port Moody border to Pinetree Way)
- $500,000
- Upgrade existing bike lanes to protected bike lanes
Port Moody
- St Johns Street Multi-Use Path Phase 1 (Albert Street to Moody Street)
- $500,000
- Multi-use path along the south side of St. Johns Street between Albert Street and Moody Street
- Short section of multi-use path along the east side of Moody Street between St. Johns Street and Clarke Street
Port Coquitlam
- Kingsway Ave Multi-Use Path
- $450,000
- Multi-use path on Kingsway Avenue from Kelly Avenue to Coast Meridian Overpass as part of a corridor road improvement project
The funding is set to help improve safety for those that choose to leave their vehicle at home for a more active and energy-efficient commute.
"From young families to older folks with mobility challenges, so many people benefit from safe and accessible paths and bike lanes," said Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth, also B.C.'s deputy premier, solicitor general and minister for public safety.
"This funding makes Port Coquitlam a more accessible and welcoming place to live and visit."
The Tri-Cities projects are four of 74 in B.C. that recently received approval through the provincial government's Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program.
Ultimately, the plans hope to increase mobile and active transportation by 30 per cent across B.C. by the end of the decade.
"Whether you’re walking, cycling, or using a mobility device, safe and separated pathways are a great choice for getting around," said Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Fin Donnelly.
"When people of all ages can get around safely without a car, our communities become stronger and more connected," said Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam, in the same statement.
"These new multi-use paths will mean less time in cars and more options for moving around our region."
For more information about the active transportation grants, you can visit the B.C. government's website.
