A 6.7-kilometre bike-lane route that broke ground on construction in 2021 is now fully open to riders.
Around 100 cyclists gathered on the east side of Skaha Lake Park on Saturday, June 7, before riding the full length of the route in celebration of the bike lane.
In an email to Black Press Media, the city said there are "still some finishing touches" to work on before it will officially deem the project complete.
"In the meantime, the route is open to riders," it reads.
A city spokesperson did not provide a final cost for the project when asked.
Last weekend's event, organized by the Penticton Area Cycling Association (PACA), was part of Pedalfest. Cyclists started their journey along South Main Street before riding north and toward 124 Estabrook Ave. for an after-party in the downtown core.
Penticton Coun. Isaac Gilbert was the only member of city council to take part in the ride.
The bike lane features multiple sections and connects Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. Concrete barriers for cyclists have been built on Martin Street, Fairview Road, Atkinson Street and South Main Street as part of the work.
New signage that directs riders to the KVR Trail or Skaha Lake, for instance, has been installed in recent weeks in select areas along the route. A digital counter indicating how many riders use the route can also be found on Martin Street, behind Gyro Park.
Most of the project's sections were approved by Penticton's previous council, led by Mayor John Vassilaki.
The city's current council, in the spring of 2023, was asked whether or not to green-light the project's final section along South Main Street.
A split vote in favour of moving ahead with the work ultimately pushed the 6.7-kilometre project over the finish line.
"PACA would like to thank Penticton City Council, both current and past, for their vision to bring this project to reality," a statement from the group reads. "PACA urges the city to continue to invest in active transportation and to expand the all ages and abilities network to empower more people to bike and roll to get around Penticton."
