BC government will invested $100,000 into signage for the trails in the region installing 120 signs around the regional network of trails by the end of July – South Okanagan Similkameen Cycling Network.

The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone (right)
today announced a South Okanagan-based pilot project for its new cycling
tourism signage and marketing strategy.

This was one of the commitments made in the Province’s 10-year
transportation plan, B.C. on the Move.

“It makes perfect sense that we’re here in the heart of the Okanagan to
launch the South Okanagan Similkameen Cycling Network,” said Stone. “This is
the first of what we hope will be a provincewide strategy to promote cycling
tourism in B.C. and I’d like to thank the City of Penticton and the Regional
District for the tremendous amount of work they’ve done creating their
cycling network and being advocates for cycling tourism.”

Signs will be installed across the region which will identify routes for
cyclists to follow. Cyclists of all skill levels who visit the region will
be able to go online to the Regional District’s website and find the route
they want to take. Once they hit the road, the route signs will guide them
along a route of their choice – whether that’s a leisurely day ride through
wine country or a challenging multi-day ride of several hundred kilometres.

“The Regional District is very pleased to see that the Province is now
recognizing this Region’s cycling network as the world class network that it
is,” said Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen chair Mark Pendergraft.
“People come from around the world to ride, train and race throughout the
South Okanagan-Similkameen. Now the required infrastructure will be put in
place to support that interest and make it safer for everyone.”

As the pilot for the marketing and signage strategy, the South Okanagan
Similkameen Cycling Network will help guide the creation of the provincial
cycling tourism signage and marketing strategy and inspire other potential
cycling routes in the province. The ministry will work with Destination BC,
local governments and stakeholder groups to promote cycling tourism in
various regions throughout B.C.

“Penticton and the South Okanagan have world-class cycling terrain – road,
mountain and recreational cycling. The community truly is a cycling
destination, with amenities that support active, healthy lifestyles for
local residents and visitors,” said City of Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit.
“Cycling is part of our culture, which is why Penticton has developed
signature sport tourism events like Challenge Penticton and Prospero
Grandfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan. We are extremely happy that the Province of
B.C. has launched a pilot project recognizing the unique cycling experience
here in the South Okanagan.”

In support of the regional trail network, the City of Penticton partnered
with local businesses like Bike Barn to build a “bike hub” at the Peach
Plaza, providing a bike pump, racks, repair tools and water bottle filling
station for cyclists to use at no charge. The new South Okanagan Similkameen
Cycling Guide – a co-operative effort between South Okanagan local
governments – shows the array of cycling trails and routes throughout the
region in a convenient, foldable pocket map easy for any cyclist to carry.

“I’m thrilled to see this vision finally becoming a reality, thanks to the
drive and passion of everyone at the Regional District and the City,” said
MLA for Penticton Dan Ashton. “We already boast so many reasons to visit the
South Okanagan and Similkameen areas. This new cycling network will only
enhance our outstanding reputation as a first-class destination.”

Cycling was a key component of B.C. on the Move and during consultations the
ministry heard that enhanced cycling infrastructure and improved
transportation choices are important to British Columbians.

The Government of B.C. is also investing $18 million over the next three
years through the BikeBC cost-sharing program to help local governments
build projects that attract and support commuter, recreational and tourism
cyclists – making cycling a safer and more convenient option for travellers.
Since 2001, the Province has committed over $155 million for cycling
infrastructure and has worked with local governments to create new bicycle
lanes and trails in over 100 communities.