ESQUIMALT, BC—A recent donation has allowed the Township of Esquimalt to add several new bike racks around the community. Lapis Homes founder Ryan Jabs donated $10,000 to the township for the project.
“We want to support active transportation in several ways: by working with neighbouring municipalities to better connect our communities, by improving cycling routes so that they are broadly accessible and by ensuring there are adequate facilities—like these bike racks—to make trip planning easier,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “Making cycling an attractive choice is not only good for our climate and good for our health, but helps takes pressure off our roadways.”
The bike racks—twenty in total—are in the process of being installed in several strategic areas of the township. Community feedback from last year’s public engagement around active transportation helped determine which areas are seeing gaps.
“Esquimalt has really started to embrace cycling as an important way to address climate change and reduce car congestion,” said Jabs. “I’m grateful to be able to help with this donation to make some of Esquimalt’s great parks and businesses more accessible and secure for people who get around on their bike.”
One such location is the new Gorge Park Pavilion. The building—set to open June 18—is being used for programming like art and yoga classes, as well as private events. The park is accessible off Craigflower and Tillicum Roads, with the latter earmarked for improved cycling facilities in collaboration with the District of Saanich. Other bike rack locations include near popular commercial locations and at park entrances.
Go By Bike Week runs May 30 to June 5. Teams can register at gobybikebc.ca/
See Esquimalt’s Active Transportation Plan at Esquimalt.ca/ActiveTransportation
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For more information:
Tara Zajac
Manager of Communications, Township of Esquimalt
Phone: 250-414-7122
tara.zajac@esquimalt.ca