West Virginians from across the state may have an easier time getting active, thanks to a new project from West Virginia University that aims to increase or improve pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure.

Thirteen projects across the state are receiving grants of up to $5,000 from the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sports Science project, The Center for ActiveWV. The initiative launched in 2019 and aims to combat the state’s obesity epidemic through increased access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities, according to a press release.

The money will be used for a variety of projects, including improving bike infrastructure, connecting existing trails, improving signage, creating a community track, and at Kanawha State Forest outside of Charleston, installing the first wheelchair platform swing and other Americans with Disabilities Act compliant playground equipment in the state.

This is the first year funding has been awarded.

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with support from Marshall Health and Charleston Area Medical Center.