Downtown Birmingham is getting serious about making its already pedestrian friendly downtown just as inviting to bicyclists.
The city turned to Portland and Minneapolis, cities known for leading the way for safe and fun cycling on city streets, for advice and has just started the first phase of a project aimed at encouraging cycling as a viable form of transportation.
The Downtown Bicycle Parking Plan will bring bike racks to 80 spots around downtown.
They will be easy to find, use, high-quality and well distributed, says Jana Ecker, Birmingham's director of planning. These parking areas will be well lit and clear of pedestrians and cars, she says.
“Our goal is to make the City more user-friendly for all modes of transportation,”
Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner says.
The first phase of the three-phase plan, the installation of 45 bike racks, began earlier this month, and will be finished by the end of summer. Phases 1 and 2, which will involve the final installations, signage and some minor infrastructure redesign, will be completed over the next two years.
Source: Jana Ecker, planning director, city of Birmingham
Writer: Kim North Shine
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