The Downtown Vernon Association’s requests for an increased number of bike racks, an on-street parking pilot project, and an on-street bicycle themed mural were approved at Monday’s Regular Council meeting.
These requests are part of the DVA’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan to improve bicycle infrastructure and culture.
“This is the first step of many,” said Dudley Coulter, Events and Promotions Coordinator at the DVA. “Our goal is to position downtown as an attractive destination for both locals and visitors who choose to travel via bicycle.”
“The advent of the Okanagan Rail Trail has bought opportunities for businesses to open themselves to a new and growing market and the DVA will be working with those businesses who are interested in catering to cyclists throughout the spring and summer of 2019.”
The 2019-2023 Fanciable Plan adopted by Council on Jan. 7, 2019 approved $30,000 in the 2019 Capital Budget for improvements to bus stops and bicycle parking which will help pay for more bike racks to be installed throughout the downtown core. New and existing racks will also be painted in DVA colours to be easily identified by cyclists. This budget will pay for the on-street bicycle parking pilot program for May through September.
The DVA noted they are working with Arts Council of the North Okanagan to obtain funding and artists to complete the bicycle-themed on-street mural which will be painted at or near the on-street bicycle parking pilot project to be temporarily installed in front of Marten Brewing Co. near the corner of 30th Avenue and 30th Street.
The DVA is a Business Improvement Area (BIA) representing over 620 businesses and organizations in Vernon’s downtown core.
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