February 28, 2024 - The Budget 2024 announcement on February 22 brings positive news for active transportation. The Provincial Government unveiled an investment of $50 million in additional funding for Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) active transportation capital projects over the next three years. This builds upon the previous $100 million allocated in 2023. This investment will be directed towards constructing new bike lanes and enhancing safety for active transportation users across British Columbia. The Province has also committed $20 million in funding for the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program.
“We are thrilled to see the government’s continued increased commitment to active transportation in this year’s budget,” says Laura Jane, Executive Director of HUB Cycling. “The return on investment will be significant because when more people bike for transportation, we see improved health outcomes, as well as reductions in air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, and crashes,” added Jane.
69% of people in our province drive for commutes shorter than five kilometers.1 In the City of Vancouver, which has invested extensively in active transportation over the last 15 years, only 41% of people drive for commutes less than five kilometers.1 Many local governments hope to follow Vancouver’s lead and invest more in active transportation. In the 2024 Budget, the Province has committed $20 million in funding towards the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, but this is not nearly enough to meet the demand from municipalities across the Province. Due to its popularity, the cost-sharing program amount was increased to $40 million in the previous 2023/24 fiscal.
“More and more local governments see the benefits of building bikeable, walkable communities,” said Jane. “We strongly urge the Province to provide sufficient cost-sharing grants to reach the growing need of local municipalities.”
HUB Cycling will continue to work closely with the government and highlight the need to increase investments in active transportation infrastructure further to improve public health and safety – and meet the Province’s CleanBC goals. For example, HUB Cycling says that funding TransLink’s Access for Everyone Plan is critical if we are going to reduce our transportation emissions.
