Every day, British Columbians are choosing to walk, cycle, and roll—whether for commuting, errands, or pure enjoyment. Yet across the province, communities are facing funding gaps, inequitable access, and barriers that prevent people from safely and affordably using active transportation.

As part of the 2026 provincial budget consultations, HUB Cycling has shared a clear set of recommendations to help BC build a healthier, more connected, and more inclusive transportation future. These are solutions that work, and they’re ready to be implemented now.

1. Unlock Local Infrastructure with a $100 Million Annual Investment

The challenge: BC’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program is chronically oversubscribed. Local governments are juggling multiple priorities—housing, public safety, the toxic drug crisis—making it harder to fund active transportation. The result? Shovel-ready projects that would make walking and cycling safer are being delayed or cancelled.

Our recommendation: Increase the BC Government’s municipal cost-share contribution for active transportation to at least $100 million annually (up from $24 million in 2025).

Why it matters:

• 39% of British Columbians cycle weekly, 53% cycle annually—but infrastructure isn’t keeping pace.
• The current $24 million must be shared between 161 municipalities and 202 First Nations, leaving many projects unfunded.
• Less than 1% of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s $3 billion annual capital budget goes to walking and cycling infrastructure.

The impact: This investment would deliver affordable, safe, and sustainable transportation for communities of all sizes, while supporting local jobs, reducing congestion, and improving public health.

2. Fund Inclusive Education for All Ages and Abilities

The challenge: Many British Columbians—especially in equity-deserving communities—face systemic barriers to walking or cycling. Without age-appropriate, culturally relevant education and outreach, these barriers persist.

Our recommendation: Allocate $8 million annually for cycling and walking education programs tailored to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Why it matters:

• Safety and confidence are essential for increasing active transportation uptake.
• Programs like Everyone Rides in schools and community-based cycling courses empower people with skills and confidence, but current reach is limited.
• Equity-deserving groups often face barriers like language differences, lack of physical access, and cultural exclusion from existing programs.

The impact: This funding would expand school, adult, and community programs, ensuring they are culturally responsive, multilingual, and accessible. It would help more people move safely and affordably, support climate goals, and promote inclusion.

3. Make E-Bikes and Adaptive Cycles Affordable for Everyone

The challenge: E-assist bikes, cargo cycles, and adaptive bikes are transformative—but high upfront costs put them out of reach for many, especially low-income and disabled British Columbians.

Our recommendation: Reintroduce and expand means-tested rebates and financing for e-assist and adaptive cycles, making them affordable and accessible year-round.

Why it matters:

• Previous e-bike rebates were hugely successful, oversubscribed within 24 hours.
• Adaptive cycles can be essential mobility devices for people with disabilities, yet costs remain prohibitive.

The impact:

• Rebates, subsidies for conversion kits, and affordable financing would help more people replace car trips with low-emission options.
• Expanded access to adaptive cycles would increase independence, inclusion, and health for people with disabilities.

4. Require Annual Public Reporting on Active Transportation Investments

The challenge: Without transparent, consistent reporting, it’s hard to know if public funds are reducing emissions, advancing equity, or improving mobility—especially in underserved communities.

Our recommendation: Mandate annual public reporting on active transportation funding, infrastructure outcomes, and investments in equity-deserving and Indigenous communities.

Why it matters:

• Many Indigenous, rural, and low-income communities still lack safe walking and cycling options.
• Transparent reporting would show whether investments are reaching those who need them most.

The impact: Annual reports would track kilometres built, spending by region, equity outcomes, climate and health benefits, and progress toward reconciliation. This accountability would ensure public funds are spent effectively, fairly, and in alignment with BC’s sustainability goals.

The Bottom Line

Active transportation is more than just infrastructure—it’s about affordability, climate action, public health, and equity. By adopting these recommendations, BC can unlock the full potential of walking, cycling, and rolling for everyone, in every community.

Our 2026 recommendations in brief:

1. Invest $100M annually in municipal active transportation cost-sharing.
2. Fund $8M annually in inclusive, all-ages active transportation education.
3. Expand ongoing means-tested e-bike and adaptive cycle rebates.
4. Mandate transparent annual reporting on active transportation spending and outcomes.

It’s time to give communities the tools they need to build a healthier, more connected BC.