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WATCH: See the latest chunk of bike lane to open in Kelowna

Ethel Street to Casorso Road corridor plays crucial role in linking city for cyclists

Getting around by bike or scooter in Kelowna has gotten a little easier.

Politicians and city officials were on hand to christen the newest chunk of active transportation, which runs down Ethel Street, alongside Okanagan College, and connects to Casorso Road.

This link has closed the final gap in the existing north-south network, merging downtown and the Capri-Landmark areas to Pandosy and the Lower Mission.

Additional sections planned for construction over the next two years will complete the corridor further to the south and north. Major destinations along the corridor include Okanagan College, Gyro Beach, Pandosy Village and Kelowna Secondary School.

“This corridor is part of a larger network that helps make riding easier between Kelowna’s densest urban centres to reduce congestion on our roads and lessen greenhouse gas emissions, all while improving community health,” Mayor Colin Basran said.

The corridor is wide and protected with barriers between the bike lane and traffic, making it comfortable and safe for people of all ages and who may be new to biking.

“Asking a senior or somebody who is an inexperienced cyclist to get out and ride, mixed in among the traffic, doesn’t encourage people to take up cycling, quite frankly,” Transport Minister Rob Fleming said. The project was partially funded through the Province’s Active Transportation grant program.

“They need to gain experience on a safe course, like this.”

Fleming applauded Kelowna’s rapidly expanding multi-use pathway links, admitting the connections rival some of the best in B.C., including on Vancouver Island.

The city worked closely with Okanagan College to effort the pathway, something Fleming said is inspiring other communities to work with major institutions to stretch infrastructure dollars.

“This is a great addition to what Kelowna has built up over time and we have plans to do even more,” he said.

Protected bike lanes help encourage people to cycle to their destination, as they don’t have to compete with the dominance of cars. The rapid introduction and uptake of electric bikes, Fleming said, is also encouraging more people to get out of their cars.

“Not only does it promote health and wellness, it reduces congestion and … is tackling some of the biggest problems … like climate change,” Fleming said.

Published 2022-06-10 by Tyler Marr

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