We heard a lot of good ideas from you during the BC on the Move Twitter Town Hall that Minister Todd Stone hosted last month (Nov 2014) as part of 10-year transportation planning.
We also received some really good questions; so many, in fact, that we have been busy organizing into themes – like cycling – and getting you answers. Let’s start, shall we?
Question:
@toddstonebc Has thought been put into how bicycle-based commuting in temperate-climate cities could = health ministry savings? #BContheMove
— Devon Rowcliffe (@DevonRowcliffe) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Absolutely. Cycling is a key component of British Columbia’s strategy for encouraging healthy living. Take commuter cycling, for instance. People lead busy lives, and one of the best ways to stay fit (and reduce emissions and gas expenses) is to bike to work.
The ministry supports commuter cycling through its BikeBC program, a 50/50 cost-sharing program with municipalities to develop infrastructure for commuter cycling. We consider how their projects will contribute to promoting healthy living when we review project applications.
Question:
Answer:
2014-15: $3.61 million through BikeBC to expand and build cycling lanes, trails and paths.
2013-14: 16 projects were funded in 13 communities with $1.14 M in BikeBC grants. Here’s a breakdown:
- Lower Mainland: $638,408 (six projects)
- Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast: $243,996 (four projects)
- Interior: $298,781 (six projects)
- Read the blog post for more on these projects
The ministry also invests in cycling/walking infrastructure as part of our highway projects and maintenance practices, which improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Question:
@toddstonebc Has BC conducted full benefit-cost analysis of investment in walking, cycling, transit, road infrastructure? #BContheMove
— NS Pedal Pushers (@NSpedalpushers) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Financial, social, economic, and environmental implications are considered when developing transit projects and infrastructure upgrades. We also consider these impacts when evaluating applications for funding under BikeBC.
Question:
Answer:
Every time we upgrade or build a new highway, provincial policy requires that the highway accommodates cyclists, whenever possible (for example, sometimes the geography simply doesn’t allow it). Examples include:
- Pat Bay Highway/McTavish Interchange near Victoria includes separate cycling/pedestrian overpass.
- When the Sea to Sky Highway was upgraded, it got extra-wide shoulders, improved sightlines and rumble strips to increase the safety of cyclists.
- New Port Mann Bridge came complete with a barrier-separated, three-metre-wide cycling and pedestrian path located on its east side.
Cycling is a very important mode of transportation in BC, and we appreciate all the suggestions and questions coming from you avid cyclists out there. Visit our BikeBC section, complete with blogs and videos, to learn more.
Have anything to add? Please feel free to comment below.
