Active transportation improves quality of life

Employers need employees, so there’s reason to applaud initiatives that make our region more attractive as a place to live, work and raise a family. Making neighbourhoods more accessible for people to walk or cycle to work, and making those routes safer, are steps in the right direction.
 
“We know that people make healthier, greener transportation choices when the options are there,” said Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming, who serves as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
 
Last week, the province announced $20 million in funding for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program to help cover costs of multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges and regional connections, as well as lighting, sidewalks and other safety improvements. Greater Victoria projects include:

• City of Colwood – installation of seven pedestrian and bike counters including two counters with displays.
• Township of Esquimalt – protected uni-directional quick-build bike lanes on Tillicum Road from the Gorge Bridge to Craigflower Road and two new actuated pedestrian crossings.
• District of Saanich – AAA bike lanes, new sidewalks, multi-use pathway and utility upgrades on Shelbourne Street between North Dairy Road and Pear Street.
• District of Saanich – AAA bi-directional bike lane with new sidewalks and boulevard separation along Gorge Road West between Admirals Road and Gorge Road.