West Kelowna, WFN receive grants to make cycling better

West Kelowna and the Westbank First Nation are receiving grants to make it easier for people to get around on their bicycles.

Eighteen communities throughout B.C. will receive BikeBC grants for cycling projects that support green transportation options and encourage healthy, active lifestyles. BikeBC is a provincial cost-sharing program.

West Kelowna: is receiving $258,697 for work on phase 2 of the Boucherie Road Wine Trail, which is now underway.

The WFN is receiving $21,395 for an active transportation plan

The government has invested over $34 million in 117 cycling projects throughout the province since 2014, benefiting 70 communities. The BikeBC 2018-19 grants represent a total investment of $6.11 million, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said in a news release.

Cycling is on the rise in B.C. with the number of people who bike to work increasing by 64 per cent since 1996, the ministry said.