Lake to Lake Route Construction

The Lake to Lake Route is a protected bike lane stretching approximately 6 km through the centre of the city, intended to make cycling convenient and safe for residents of all ages and abilities. The route was identified following a two-year consultation process and, once completed this summer, will be the spine in the City’s cycling network. It's a key part of the City’s shift to a complete transportation system that supports all modes of transportation and helps meet environmental objectives.

Inaugural Group Ride Event

May 29, 2025 Update: The Lake to Lake Route is now nearing completion. Join the public for an inaugural group ride of the route on Saturday, June 7, 2025, gathering near the east playground at Skaha Lake at 3 p.m., with the ride to begin soon after. Get more details on the PACA Facebook event for Pedalfest or on their webpage.

Construction Reaches Final Stages

Work is now reaching the final stages on the final section of the Lake to Lake Route. Anyone travelling on South Main Street should anticipate delays, single-lane alternating traffic, or detours. Please watch for signs and obey traffic control personnel. Posted detours are available below. Construction will take place on weekdays from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. (open evenings and weekends), while weather permits.

The South Main Market will be open as usual during construction. Access to the store will be maintained where possible, and alternative access will be provided as needed. Please follow posted detour signs and obey traffic control personnel.

Overall work throughout the final section will include upgrading catch basins and electrical work, concrete work, installing raised bus stops and bike lane construction.
Complete - Monday, Sept. 16: Work begins on South Main Street, starting near Pineview Road and advancing towards Green Avenue
Complete - Monday, Oct. 7: Green Avenue intersection traffic signals will be installed
Complete - January 2025 Work between Green Avenue to the Skaha Marina access includes upgrades to road and utility infrastructure, electrical and streetlighting along the roadside. Drivers should expect minor delays and may encounter single-lane alternating traffic from time to time to allow crews to work safely.
In progress - February - May 2025: Crews will install planter boxes, bus stops and associated asphalt paving along South Main Street.
In progress - May 2025: Work will include speed bumps, signage, bike lane installation and line painting.
Coming soon - early June: Weed removal and landscaping works.
Spring/Summer 2025: Construction of Section 1 due to be completed.

By the Numbers

The data shows that cycling continues to climb each year as a desirable mode of transportation in Penticton. In fact, we have seen 20-30% growth annually on the route since the first section was complete, despite it not yet being complete or connected to a larger protected network.

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Annual bike trips through the intersection of Eckhardt & Martin
Total
2022 75,343
2023 96,633
2024 119,911

Spring bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin
Average daily cyclists Total monthly cyclists
May 2022 316 9,781
May 2023 370 11,460
May 2024 475 14,745

Summer bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin
Average daily cyclists Total monthly cyclists
August 2023 421 13,045
August 2024 636 19,744

**Annual bike trips through the intersection of Eckhardt & Martin**
	Total
2022	75,343
2023	96,633
2024	119,911

**Spring bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin**
	Average daily cyclists	Total monthly cyclists
May 2022	316	9,781
May 2023	370	11,460
May 2024	475	14,745

**Summer bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin**
	Average daily cyclists	Total monthly cyclists
August 2023	421	13,045
August 2024	636	19,744

Project Funding

The complete cycling route is estimated to cost around $8 million. This estimate includes all costs associated with the separated bike lanes, intersection and sidewalk improvements, as well as storm system alterations along the route. Of this, the provincial and federal governments have provided a total of $5.4 million to date.

The City has received $1 million from the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP), $1 million from two B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure grants, $840,000 from Infrastructure Canada's Active Transportation Fund, and $750,000 from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). The City also used $1.8 million from the Canada Community-Building Fund to offset the costs of the project. The project is also eligible to benefit from the Roads & Highways Development Cost Charges Reserve, which will contribute approximately $500,000 to the route.
The following provides a timeline of this ongoing initiative.
In 2012, Urban Systems developed a report for the City highlighting a need for a safe and convenient cycling route connecting Okanagan and Skaha Lakes. Following consultation with stakeholders, Council adopted an updated Bike and Cycling Network map into the 2019 Official Community Plan.
June 18, 2019: City Council endorsed the project to identify the location of the Lake to Lake Route. The project involved an extensive engagement process and a technical analysis to determine the preferred route.
Sept. 6, 2019: The City hosted “Pedal Penticton,” a community-wide cycling event to gather input into the work to identify the Lake to Lake Route. Approximately 500 people attended the event and the City received input from more than 1,000 individuals.
June-July 2020: The City conducted a targeted engagement program to ensure feedback was received from businesses and residents in the downtown area.
Nov. 17, 2020: Council amended the Official Community Plan to approve the alignment of the route after holding a Public Hearing on the proposed amendments on Nov. 16, 2020.
Dec. 8, 2020: Council endorsed staff working with affected landowners, residents and businesses along the proposed route, identifying issues and developing design solutions.
Feb. 2, 2021: City staff presented an updated design for sections 3 and 4 of the route based on feedback received. This included relocating the cycle track from the west side of Martin Street to the east side, allowing for existing patios to be retained and no significant impacts to the 200-block revitalization works.
Feb. 25, 2021: The City was awarded a $1 million grant from the provincial government to construct sections 3 and 4 of the route.
March 31, 2021: Council approved the detailed design endorsement for sections 3 and 4 of the route, directing staff to proceed to construction design work.
May to July 2021: Construction was underway on sections 3 and 4 of the route starting from Lakeshore Drive through the downtown area to Duncan Avenue.
Aug. 1, 2021: Official opening of the first sections of the Lake-to-Lake Bike Route.
Nov. 18, 2022: Construction of section 2 was completed, which included a new signalized intersection at Duncan Avenue and Atkinson Street, a new cyclist-activated signal and pedestrian crossing at Baker Street and Duncan Avenue, the widening of Atkinson Street Bridge at Ellis Creek, and infrastructure improvements including upgrades to storm water management, enhanced lighting and increased sidewalk connectivity.
Dec. 2, 2022: The Government of Canada announces funding of $750,000 for the development of the Lake-to-Lake Bike Route.
March 2022: Consultation gets underway for section 2 of the route.
January 2023: Detailed design for the final section of the Lake to Lake Route gets underway. This section will see the route continue from the Point Intersection (at Galt Ave. and South Main St.) along South Main St. to its terminus at Skaha Lake Park.
April 2024: Construction on the Point Intersection group of projects began, which involves a section of bike lane along Kinney Avenue.
Fall 2024: Construction of section 1, the final section, will begin.
Winter 2024: Work will continue south of Green Avenue as long as weather permits, and will resume in Spring 2025.
Spring/Summer 2025: Construction of Section 1 due to be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

The City has received a number of questions about the Lake to Lake Route. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Email communications@penticton.ca if you have any additional questions.

We understand that adjustments to road layouts can present challenges as residents adapt to the changes.
The new design of South Main Street was intentionally created to help reduce vehicle speeds by reducing lane widths, creating parking pockets and installing “floating” bus stops.
This design addresses safety concerns associated with the previous straight and wide sections of South Main Street, which encouraged higher speeds. It also allows for on-street parking on the side of the street that is generating demand.
The design also includes “floating” bus stops, which create the accessible landing area for bus riders separate from the protected cycling infrastructure, which follows best practices to ensure the safety of all road users.
Staff will continue to monitor how the changes are functioning as the work is completed and once it is fully operational – and make adjustments as required.
Through the creation of the recent Official Community Plan (OCP), the community identified moving towards a “complete transportation approach” as a priority. A complete transportation approach aims to create a safe transportation system that supports all ages, abilities and modes of transportation and prioritizes investment in active transportation.
(Watch this video to learn more about how the OCP will influence transportation in the city.) One of the main recommendations in this section of the plan is to create a pathway within City limits connecting Skaha Lake and Lake Okanagan that is separated from motorized traffic, has minimal grade changes, and has connections to key destinations.
Developing a cycling network also works toward the City's Climate Action Plan goals, which involves reducing vehicle kilometres travelled by 13%.
Also, investments in active transportation can result in a more balanced transportation system that is accessible, cost-effective and improves quality of life for community members. This includes:
- Environmental benefits
- Economic benefits
- Health benefits
- Societal benefits
- Safety benefits
See pages 32, 34 and 35 in the B.C. Active Transportation Design Guide
The City uses the curbs to create vertical separation between the cyclist and vehicles. The buffer zone is the area that provides the physical separation between people cycling and moving, or parked motor vehicles. The protected bike lanes are suitable for all ages and abilities (AAA).
What does this mean?
There are a wide spectrum of riders, with the majority of those being interested in riding but concerned about safety. Each person has different motivations, barriers, preferences and needs. By adding barriers to protect the bike lanes, it is not in response to a specific accident or history of incidents, but rather to entice more people to use cycling as a form of transportation.
These categories include the following (from page 47 in the B.C. Active Transportation Design Guide):
Strong and Fearless (approximately 2-6% of the population): People who are generally comfortable riding on major roads, regardless of motor vehicle volumes or speeds, weather conditions, or the presence of existing bicycle facilities. These people often prefer to use the most direct routes to their destination, regardless of whether bicycle facilities are provided.
Enthused and Confident (approximately 9-28% of the population): People who are generally comfortable on most roads with bicycle facilities. These people may select a route with lower motor vehicle volumes or speeds, or separated facilities where provided, over a more direct route.
Interested but Concerned (approximately 37-60% of the population): These people often own a bicycle but do not ride frequently due to concerns about the safety of cycling. They are interested in cycling more, but usually restrict their riding to roads with physically protected facilities or lower motor vehicle volumes and speeds. The ‘interested but concerned’ segment of the population is typically found to be the largest segment of the population in communities of all sizes and contexts. There is a significant opportunity to focus on the needs of this large market segment to achieve a substantial increase in regular bicycle ridership. To do so, many communities throughout B.C. are now focusing on developing bicycle networks with an emphasis on all ages and abilities facilities.
No Way, No How (approximately 25-38% of the population): This group may be uninterested or unable to ride a bicycle, or they may perceive severe safety issues with cycling in motor vehicle traffic. A significant portion of this group will likely never choose to ride a bicycle under any circumstances, although some may eventually choose to ride given enough time and education.
How do cities pick which bike facility to use?
This chart shows how we pick which type of facility is appropriate. Generally, protected facilities are recommended where you have higher volumes of traffic and higher speeds.
The data shows that cycling continues to climb each year as a desirable mode of transportation in Penticton. In fact, we have seen 20-30% growth annually on the route since the first section was complete, despite it not yet being complete or connected to a larger protected network.
There were 96,633 trips by bike through the intersection of Eckhardt Avenue and Martin Street in 2023 alone, in comparison to 75,343 in 2022. As of Sept. 12, 2024, the total bike rides through this intersection stands at 96,040, on track to far surpass 2023 numbers.
Spring bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin
Average daily cyclists Total monthly cyclists
May 2022 316 9,781
May 2023 370 11,460
May 2024 475 14,745

Summer bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin
Average daily cyclists Total monthly cyclists
August 2023 421 13,045
August 2024 636 19,744

Annual bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin
2023 2024
Jan. 1 - Sept. 12 75,343 96,040
Total annual 96,633

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The complete cycling route is estimated to cost up to $8 million. This estimate includes all costs associated with the separated bike lanes, intersection and sidewalk improvements, as well as storm system alterations along the route. Of this, the provincial and federal governments have provided a total of $5.4 million to date (as of April 2024).
The City has received $1 million from the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP), $1 million from two B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure grants, $840,000 from Infrastructure Canada's Active Transportation Fund, and $750,000 from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). The City also used $1.8 million from the Canada Community-Building Fund to offset the costs of the project. The project is also eligible to benefit from the Roads & Highways Development Cost Charges Reserve, which will contribute approximately $500,000 to the route.
The City frequently receives comments that there are already bike routes in the City that are underutilized. The City adopted a Cycling Network Plan in 2012 that identified the routes needed to make cycling a viable mode of transportation. The City has made some progress in adding the bike lanes identified in the plan such as those on Government St. and with this project, the spine of the network will be completed.
It is important to note that the Lake-to-Lake Bike Route is the first protected bike route in the city that is safe for cyclists of All Ages and Abilities (AAA) and through community survey the City learned that safety is the number one reason why there are not more cyclists on the roads today.
Changes were made to the curbs at the intersections on Martin to reduce the distance that cyclists and pedestrians are exposed to vehicle traffic when crossing and reduce the gap that vehicles need to pay attention to as they pass through the intersection. This is a best practice design for Age-Friendly communities as well. It has the added benefit of slowing vehicles down which has been a frequent concern on Martin St.
Research has found that protected bicycle lanes are the safest type of bicycle facility. The Cycling in Cities Program at the University of British Columbia found that protected bicycle lanes were the safest type of bicycle facility, with a 90% decrease in safety risk compared to a major street with no cycling infrastructure. (*see reference 1)
Another recent study examined 13 years of data from 12 large U.S. cities, including 17,000 fatalities and 77,000 severe injuries. The study found that cities with protected bicycle lanes had 44% fewer deaths and 50% fewer serious injuries than the average city. Furthermore, the study found that painted bicycle lanes provided no road safety improvements, and that shared use lanes were actually less safe than having no pavement markings at all. (*see reference 2)
*1 Kay Teschke et al., ‘Route Infrastructure and the Risk of Injuries to Bicyclists: A Case-Crossover Study’ (2018).
*2 Marshall and Ferenchak, ‘Why Cities with High Bicycling Rates are Safe for All Road Users’ (2019).
The following provides a timeline of this ongoing initiative.
In 2012, Urban Systems developed a report for the City highlighting a need for a safe and convenient cycling route connecting Okanagan and Skaha Lakes. Following consultation with stakeholders, Council adopted an updated Bike and Cycling Network map into the 2019 Official Community Plan.
June 18, 2019: City Council endorsed the project to identify the location of the Lake-to-Lake route. The project involved an extensive engagement process and a technical analysis to determine the preferred route.
Sept. 6, 2019: The City hosted “Pedal Penticton,” a community-wide cycling event to gather input into the work to identify the Lake to Lake Route. Approximately 500 people attended the event and the City received input from more than 1,000 individuals.
June-July 2020: The City conducted a targeted engagement program to ensure feedback was received from businesses and residents in the downtown area.
Nov. 17, 2020: Council amended the Official Community Plan to approve the alignment of the route after holding a Public Hearing on the proposed amendments on Nov. 16, 2020.
Dec. 8, 2020: Council endorsed staff working with affected landowners, residents and businesses along the proposed route, identifying issues and developing design solutions.
Feb. 2, 2021: City staff presented an updated design for sections 3 and 4 of the route based on feedback received. This included relocating the cycle track from the west side of Martin Street to the east side, allowing for existing patios to be retained and no significant impacts to the 200-block revitalization works.
Feb. 25, 2021: The City was awarded a $1 million grant from the provincial government to construct sections 3 and 4 of the route.
March 31, 2021: Council approved the detailed design endorsement for sections 3 and 4 of the route, directing staff to proceed to construction design work.
May to July 2021: Construction was underway on sections 3 and 4 of the route starting from Lakeshore Drive through the downtown area to Duncan Avenue.
Aug. 1, 2021: Official opening of the first sections of the Lake to Lake Route.
Nov. 18, 2022: Construction of section 2 was completed, which included a new signalized intersection at Duncan Avenue and Atkinson Street, a new cyclist-activated signal and pedestrian crossing at Baker Street and Duncan Avenue, the widening of Atkinson Street Bridge at Ellis Creek, and infrastructure improvements including upgrades to storm water management, enhanced lighting and increased sidewalk connectivity.
Dec. 2, 2022: The Government of Canada announces funding of $750,000 for the development of the Lake to Lake Route.
March 2022: Consultation gets underway for section 2 of the route.
January 2023: Detailed design for the final section of the Lake-to-Lake gets underway. This section will see the route continue from the Point Intersection (at Galt Ave. and South Main St.) along South Main St. to its terminus at Skaha Lake Park.
April 2024: Construction on the Point Intersection group of projects began, which involves a section of bike lane along Kinney Avenue.
September 2024: Construction on the final section of the Lake to Lake Route begins.
The Lake to Lake Bike Route is the City's first All Ages and Abilities cycling route. An AAA bike route meets the needs of a broad range of people who want to bike or roll. This could be children, seniors, people riding bike share, low-income riders, those with disabilities, people moving goods or cargo, as well as confident cyclists.
View this NACTO report about Designing for All Ages & Abilities

**Spring bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin**
	Average daily cyclists	Total monthly cyclists
May 2022	316	9,781
May 2023	370	11,460
May 2024	475	14,745

**Summer bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin**
	Average daily cyclists	Total monthly cyclists
August 2023	421	13,045
August 2024	636	19,744

**Annual bike trips at Eckhardt & Martin**
	2023	2024
Jan. 1 - Sept. 12	75,343	96,040
Total annual	96,633

Latest Updates

- May 14, 2025: Temporary no parking rolls out on South Main Street
- March 20, 2025: South Main Market open during construction, follow detours
- February 27, 2025: Construction returns to South Main
- January 15, 2025: Milder weather resumes construction along South Main Street
- October 15, 2024: Businesses open as usual as roadwork continues on South Main
- October 9, 2024: Voting at Seniors' Drop-In Centre during construction
- October 8, 2024: Roadwork will continue south of Green Avenue and South Main Street Intersection
- October 1, 2024: Expect delays at intersection of Green Avenue and South Main Street during roadwork and electrical upgrades
- Sept. 11, 2024: Work on final section of Lake to Lake Route ready to begin
- May 10: 2024: Point Intersection construction ready to shift to South Main Street and Kinney Avenue
- April 2, 2024: Province provides Active Transportation Grant
- March 15, 2024: Government of Canada contributes $840,000 to Penticton’s Lake to Lake Bike Route through Infrastructure Canada’s Active Transportation Fund
- June 20, 2023: Dates set to review design of final section of Lake-to-Lake Route
- June 14, 2023: City reaches agreement with South Main Market
- April 24, 2023: Construction set to begin on Point Intersection projects
- Feb. 17, 2023: City awarded $500,000 towards Lake-to-Lake cycling route
- Jan. 19, 2023: City begins detailed design on final section of Lake-to-Lake Route
- Dec. 7, 2022: Government of Canada announces $750 funding for Lake-to-Lake Bike Route
- Nov. 18, 2022: Construction wraps up on latest section of Lake-to-Lake Bike Route
- Sept. 12, 2022: Lake-to-Lake Bike Route gears up for final leg of section 2 construction
- Aug. 25, 2022: Lake-to-Lake Bike Route construction on Duncan Avenue set to begin

Watch for these Changes along the Route

The bike route uses concrete barriers along the road to protect and separate cyclists from the flow of traffic. Be aware that the barriers will have openings in front of private driveways to ensure they don’t block entry to the homes.

To help raise awareness of the planned construction before work gets underway, residences and businesses impacted by the route were mailed information and invited to an online information session.
A combination of safety barriers and curbs are being used to provide physical separation between cyclists and vehicles. Within the 100-300 blocks of Martin Street, within downtown Penticton, you’ll notice steel bike rails bolted into the ground.

For other areas, including construction of section 2 of the route, precast concrete barriers will be fixed to the road’s surface to create a barrier between the cycle track and vehicle lane.
Within downtown Penticton, some sections of the bike route are bi-directional, meaning that cyclists will be riding both directions on the same track. The track is painted yellow down the middle to mark the centre line and cyclists are encouraged to stay to the right within their track.

Within section 2 of the bike route, the lanes are single-lane tracks flowing with the direction of traffic.